The great challenge of man is to rise above his natural self-absorption and see beyond. To look above himself and bow before that which is higher and greater and understand where he fits in God’s order.
This is why the Bible has been given to us … so that we may hear God’s voice on the matter, which is the only truth that matters and the ridgepole for all truth.
The nine verses of Psalm 8, divinely inspired and put to parchment by one who knew God extensively (David), are particularly helpful. David bursts forth in unstoppable praise for God. He was a man who had spent much of his life on hillsides and was taught by God what the heavens and earth and man himself were all about.
God put together the pieces of the puzzle in the young shepherd’s mind and heart day by day. David’s song conveys the understanding that we must have if we are to live rightly. As you read, turn each sentence into prayer and praise. Lift your eyes and see God.
We should believe and honor God because …
1. HIS NAME IS MAGNIFICENT THROUGHOUT THE EARTH.
Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth! You have covered the heavens with your majesty. (Ps. 8:1)
There is no valley or mountain, no island or continent, no small pond or ocean where you are not met with God. His creative hand describes and reveals Him from the highest heavens to the DNA of a newborn.
2. THE SMALLEST CHILD SHOWS HIS STRENGTH.
From the mouths of infants and nursing babies, you have established a stronghold on account of your adversaries in order to silence the enemy and the avenger. (Verse 2)
Look at a baby. If you had eyes to see, you would observe the most complex being in the universe, save God. Each child carries this stunning intricacy because they were made by God, just a little lower than God. They were made in His image, expressly designed to have a relationship with God and to display His glory.
Even the enemies of God have a hard time assaulting the simple, innocent reasoning of a child who sees God in everything. It is a stronghold to which we all can come and be protected from the calloused ravings of a confused world.
3. THE HEAVENS ARE UNEXPLAINABLE AND TAKE OUR BREATH AWAY.
When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place, what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him? (Verses 3-4)
When we look up, we are amazed, if we have any sense at all. We realize that there must be a Creator. That such beauty and complexity and order was impossible to be created and sustained by anything less than God. The Bible even declares that God has named each star (and remembers each name!)
4. HE HAS CREATED MAN MAGNIFICENTLY AND GIVEN HIM AUTHORITY THAT NO ONE BUT GOD COULD BESTOW.
You made him little less than God and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all the sheep and oxen, as well as the animals in the wild, the birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea that pass through the currents of the seas. (Verses 5-8)
Who could create the mind, body, emotions, soul, and the spirit of a human being? Only God. Who could make each man and woman with such incredible diversity and uniqueness, fearfully and wonderfully made?
And who knew to set these fabulous creatures in authority over all other creatures? We have been granted this responsibility and privilege by none other than the Divine Authority. When we try to lead over this world, we are immediately met with our ignorance and helplessness to do so. But as we turn to Him and are re-united with Him, we are enabled in supernatural ways and realize that we can “do all things through Christ who strengthens us” (Philippians 4:13).
5. HE HAS MADE US EXCLUSIVELY HIS AND PROVIDED A WAY WE COULD ENJOY HIM FOREVER!
Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth! (Verse 9)
The greatest tragedy would be that we could not know and enjoy this great Originator. Many do not. They choose to believe the great lie that they are the maker of all things and serve the creature inside of the Creator (which is the explanation for every evil on earth).
But the greatest wonder is that God sent His Son to inhabit human flesh. To live, die, and rise again to be a substitute for us as we face the righteous judgment of God against our rebellion. He paid the penalty of separation from God on the cross that we should have paid.
And if we believe in Him, we will have forgiveness and restoration to the life designed for us in the Garden. We will fit rightly into this Divine order, not just now, but for all eternity. We can say with David, “Lord, OUR Lord!”
Rehearse these truths. Sing of them often. Tell others of the greatness of our God. Marvel at each stunning reality, but more than that—marvel at the majestic One from whom all blessings flow!
