READ: Ps. 8:1–10: … O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth … the son of man … You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands …
This psalm sings of the greatness of God and the place that God gives to humanity within His universe. David addresses Him, the Almighty, on behalf of His covenant people as “our LORD.” We read of God’s incomparable majesty over heaven and earth, which surpasses the heavens (v.2).
Solomon also points to this at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kgs. 8:27: “Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!” Everything falls short when it comes to glorifying God. Yet creation already shows much of God’s glory. In it we see His greatness, omnipresence, wisdom, faithfulness, and great power (cf. Rom. 1:20). God created humanity especially in His image in order to praise all His glorious attributes and deeds. Even little children have this calling (v.3).
Compared to the greatness of the LORD God, as visible in the starry heavens, humanity is but a frail creature (vv.4–5). Nevertheless, God looks upon the human being whom He made, and He cares for him. Yes, much more: in paradise He gave him glorious attributes and tasks, far more than to any other creature. He created him in His image and likeness, with the purpose that he should rule over creation as the work of His hands, developing it to His honour and praise.
Humanity still has that calling after the fall. But, through sin, humanity falls completely short of it. Without the gospel, humanity exalts itself against God and dishonours Him. Humanity is proud of itself, as King Nebuchadnezzar showed (cf. Dan. 4:30).
There is only one way to regain God’s intended state for humanity: to look in faith to Jesus as the Author and Leader, who through His suffering paid for our sins in order to redeem us as children of God. Through Him we are even brought back to eternal glory and salvation (Heb. 2:5–18).
What is the great goal in your own life?
Singing: Ps. 8:1,2