PSALM 8:3–9 What Is Man?
READ: PSALM 8:3–9 (HEBREWS 2:5–9)
V. 4 “What is man that you are mindful of him?”
When David looked up into the night sky and saw the moon and millions of stars, he was impressed by the greatness of the Creator. But he also realized how minuscule man is before such a God. You can have that too when you’re wilderness camping, right? You look up and wonder at God’s greatness, but also sense how tiny you are.
That’s what caused David to cry out, “What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (v. 4). We people are so insignificant and vulnerable in this vast universe. You realize that not only when you look into the night sky, but also when you have to deal with sickness, injury, or the death of a loved one.
It’s actually astonishing that God pays any attention to us, let alone that he cares for us. It’s more astounding that this almighty Creator actually wants a father-child relationship with us. He made us in his image in the beginning so that we might share that bond (Gen. 1:26). He made us a little lower than himself. So puny and yet so privileged! He crowned us with glory and honour (v. 5). And he gave us dominion over the works of his hands, putting all things under man’s feet (v. 6).
But what have we done with that dominion God gave us? After the fall into sin we exploited and polluted God’s creation. Instead of causing it to shine forth God’s glory, we dimmed his splendour. His handwriting is in everything, but we have scribbled over it.
Hebrews 2 teaches that Jesus Christ fulfills the words of Psalm 8 about man. He was made man, a humble servant, and he paid the penalty for our sin by his death on a cross. He undid our rebellion and after rising from the dead received dominion over all God’s works. All things were placed under his feet and he is actively ruling creation and subduing his enemies—not just for himself, but for all who believe in him. Christ is even renewing us in God’s image so that at the end of time, when all things are finally subject under his feet, we will reign with him over all things.
Thank the LORD for being mindful of us in Jesus Christ. How majestic is his name in all the earth!
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