The Stars in Multitude

The Apostle Paul quotes Psalm 19 in a curious way. He argues that the Gentiles must have the Gospel proclaimed unto them. The Gospel isn’t an “in-house” thing for the Jews. But, he asks rhetorically, “How will they hear?” It is in this context that Paul quotes the Psalmist, “But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world (Rom. 10:18).” Remember that Psalm is about the heavens declaring the glory of God.

But consider what God’s promise to Abraham was. His descendants would be as numerous as the stars in multitude. As the Gospel went forth into all the world, the saints essentially took over the role which the heavenly hosts once had, the task of being messengers of the glory of God. But now, our message is that of the reconciling grace that God has extended to mankind through Christ. These covenant children, by coming through the waters of baptism, join this starry host of covenant messengers proclaiming to all the world that in Christ is salvation, forgiveness, cleansing, and eternal life. Baptism is like adding points of starry light to the heavenly constellation of Gospel proclamation.

So welcome our brothers to Jesus Christ…