Scripture References: Psalm 8
II. The Lord’s Power – Continued
From last lesson: The mere fact that we can conceive of God and from our earliest years we can express a desire for God, is convincing evidence of God. God is such a conqueror that the words of children carry far greater weight than all the accusations of mighty men.
In other words, you do not have to defend God, just as you don’t have to defend an African lion against a domesticated tabby cat. You do not have to defend God, You just praise Him. Acclaim God. Embrace, God, even as children do. It is interesting. Do you remember who the hero of the New Testament is? Really? A little child. Jesus stated, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3). He didn’t teach that you had to become like the apostles Paul or Peter or John. He taught here how you make it to heaven; become like a little child. We refer to childlike faith as simple trust. A little child is the prime example of faith. The glory, the strength, the power, and the might of God are declared more clearly through simple, childlike faith than any other way, simply trusting in Him.
Then God is described as the mighty Creator, for the psalmist says in verses 3-4, “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (NIV). Here is a word concerning meditation. He testifies: “When I look at the stars and contemplate the heavens I think of how great all of that is and how insignificant we are.” He is absolutely awestricken and smitten. He reflects on God as the mighty Creator.
Since David was a shepherd, I have an idea he was most familiar with the stars. Many a “starry, starry night” he sat on a hillside and stared at the heavens. Perhaps he knew the names of certain stars and galaxies. Maybe he was able to remember the positions of the stars during certain times of the year. Out in the grazing land at night, what else could he do but sing, play the harp, and be star-struck? He was overwhelmed by the majesty and the mystery of God. He was awestricken by it all.
His awe should be totally eclipsed by ours. We know inestimably more about the vastness of the universe and the intricate nature of all there is. As we consider God, the mighty Creator, it is all a tribute to His power. In fact, the psalmist indicates it is God’s finger. Now, you know, that means it is “no big deal” with God. The Bible speaks of the arm of God, the hand of God, and the finger of God. An arm is more powerful than a finger. A hand is more powerful than one finger. All God had to do was speak, and the worlds were flung into existence.
Using an illustration we could all understand, the singer observed, “When I look at all the heavens, when I consider the sun, the moon, the stars, all there is, when I think of it all, I realize it was done by the finger of God.” God just did it. The “Great Creator” is also our Savior. He sings to us of the Lord’s power.
Then, beginning in verse 4 (this is really the heart of the passage) the psalmist speaks of the Lord’s passion.
To Be Continued
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Where noted, Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV © 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 