The telescope was developed in 1609 by an Italian scientist of the Renaissance Age, Galileo, to establish the certainty of the movement of the earth round the sun. This tool led to the tradition of seeking what the future held in store for man. It was held that if man could invent the means of seeking farther than his immediate physical environment, he could also possibly project himself into the future without divine input and guidance. What a folly!

To the almighty God only, is reserved the precise knowledge and fine details of the future and eternity; not to man or his short-sighted devices. And He reveals such secrets at His pleasure to His people (Deuteronomy 29:29). He did it for Apostle Paul by the leading of the Holy Spirit when he declared that Israel, God’s people, was only temporarily rejected. God in His mercy had a bright future for them.

Paul’s reference to Prophet Elijah who lived nearly 600 years earlierrnalso underscores the sorry condition of man when he presumes to know the depth of the present or the future. When the fiery prophet laments that he is the only one left in Israel who has not given in to the idol, Baal, the Omniscient says He has kept for Himself 7,000 others who have not "bowed unto Baal".

God is still the Sovereign of the universe. He is aware of the minute details of what goes on in the world and in our lives (Matthew 10:29 - 31). He is there at the beginning of the year and right there each step of the way throughout the year and beyond. We do not need a horoscope or palm reader or telescope to look into the future or to know what to expect in the New Year. God has everything worked out for the faithful Christian as long as he is in the centre of His will every moment of his life, believing in His precious promises: "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20).