ODJ: significance and dignity
July 5, 2011
What are people, that You should make so much of us, that You should think of us so often? (Job 7:17).
READ: Psalm 8
It was a night like any other night. It was David’s responsibility to tend the family flock, to take the sheep out to graze in the wilderness (Ps. 78:70-71). Having secured the flock for the night and lying down to rest, David gazed into the night sky. Inspired by the full moon and the brilliant stars (8:3), he thought of the glory of God and the dignity of humans.
David was mesmerized by the immensity of the heavens, captivated by the majestic grandeur of God’s celestial creation (v.3). He contemplated the glory of the Creator God with the same introductory and concluding words: “O Lord, our Lord, Your majestic name fills the earth!” (vv.1,9).
David was soon confounded and overwhelmed by the significance and dignity God had given to him, a mere man (vv.4-8). He asked, “What are mere mortals that You should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” (v.4).
God’s special care for man is evidenced when we compare the destinies of the three orders of God’s creation—angels, earth, and humans. All evil angels, including Satan, are condemned to hell (Matthew 25:41). And the earth will be destroyed and replaced by a new earth (2 Peter 3:7,13). Only people will be redeemed and saved (Hebrews 2:16), for they’re very precious to God (Psalm 8:3-5).
David reviewed the pre-fall majesty of man (Psalm 8:6-8; Genesis 1:26-31). People were created “only a little lower than God” (Psalm 8:5). Wow! David then looked forward to the future destiny of humanity, for redeemed humans will be restored, crowned with “glory and honor” (v.5), and will be given “charge of everything [God] made” (v.6). Look in the mirror and realize that God has given you great significance and dignity. —K.T. Sim
Go outside on a clear night. Read Psalm 8 and gaze into the sky. What comfort does it bring you to know that God is thinking of you, even now?
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~ Who am I that You are mindful of me?
That You hear me, when I call?
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How You love me, it’s amazing! ~