Scripture Reference: Psalm 8

From Last Lesson: David is astonished how God could be mindful of human beings, who in comparison to the cosmos appear so insignificant.

Why would the Creator of the universe be interested in puny humanity? Why does the Lord attentively listen to them when they call out to Him and why does He personally intervene on their behalf?

What is even more astounding is what our God made humans to be. Verses 5-8 indicate God made human beings a “little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.” It’s interesting to note that the word translated to “angels” is the Hebrew word, Elohim, which in some versions is translated, “heavenly beings,” and even in some, as “God.” This phrase refers back to the time when God first created human beings. First, God created them in His image, or better yet, “His likeness.” Second, God gave human beings the royal stewardship of ruling over His creation (Genesis 1:26-27). God’s having put “all things under his feet” means God has given humanity dominion over all His creation (Genesis 1:28). The Lord elevated human beings and commissioned them to rule His creation under submission to God’s rule. Hebrews 2:8 is a reminder that human sin has relinquished the fullness of this reality, but at the end of the age it will come to pass when all of creation submits to humanity’s dominion over it as followers of Christ share in His rule (2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:13).

When David reflects on all that God has done for humanity, he returns to the refrain he utters at the beginning of the psalm. Human beings may enjoy a lofty position in creation, but it is the Creator, Jehovah, God Almighty, our sovereign Lord, Who alone deserves all honor and glory. The high value human beings enjoy is based only on the truth that God values us and has undeservedly blessed us beyond measure. Consequently, the only right and appropriate response is to praise His name throughout the earth!

We should yearn to consider the heavens like David did with this knowledge available to us. With present-day technology, we understand there are about 10 billion galaxies in the observable universe containing about 1 billion trillion stars. That number is beyond normal comprehension and understanding. Nevertheless, as impressive and amazing as the universe God created is, nothing is more impressive than the kindness He has shown and continues to show toward all humanity. He is mindful and attentive to our needs, taking delight in protecting and helping the weak. God created us in His image and likeness and gave us a position just below Himself and the heavenly beings, crowning us with honor and glory, enabling us to eventually share in His rule over creation. He created us with the ability to be like Him. For this reason it is essential for us to look to Jesus Christ. He, alone, personifies what we were created to be and in Him and through Him, will ultimately be. The day is coming when we will see Jesus face to face and be made like Him. Considering these truths, wouldn’t it be reasonable to join in David’s song of praise to our sovereign Lord and King?

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
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