(Updated 10/2020; Dr. Baines, Jr.)
Read: Psalms 8:1-9
Summary Highlights: In vss. 1-4, the Psalm writer, some say David, talks about the excellence of God. There is the mention of how babies know about God’s strength and ability to still the enemies of God. God’s value of humanity is not understood by the writer.
In vss. 5-9, the writer talks about God placing humanity a little lower than angels. However, humanity is over the rest of the earth. All animals are under the dominion or power of humanity.
Introduction: A key idea in today’s lesson is that God is both awesome and has a great love for humanity. Prayerfully, we will be challenged to live like we appreciate His awesomeness and His love towards us.
Applications:
1. The greatness of God. Notice in vs. 1 that the writer alludes to how God’s greatness is greater than we can comprehend. The commentator does a note worthy job of talking about how huge the universe is and then to think that God made the universe.
When we think about how little we know about the universe, it should be obvious how silly it is for us to think that we fully understand God. Let’s live like we believe that God is a great God.
Such living should be noted for obeying God’s will. At the core of God’s will is for us to make sure that we are saved and then living lives of loving God and others, as we love ourselves.
2. Enemies of God. Notice in vs. 2 that the writer talks about babies somehow communicating about the strength of God. And the strength of God is able to keep God’s enemies at bay.
On one hand, it is good to know that babies and believers can have some concept of the greatness of God. On the other hand, we should make sure we are not enemies of God.
The more we obey, the more friendly our relations are with God. However, the more we disobey then the more we move towards acting like enemies of God. All of God’s enemies will be defeated.
Let’s work on being like those who know God, instead of being like His enemies. Living out this application should move us to make sure we are giving God our best in service, instead of simply giving Him what is convenient for us.
3. The value of humanity. Notice in vss. 3-4 that God has a high value assigned to humanity. He visits or oversees us with a unique level of attention. He minds us or watches over us carefully.
Even though elephants may be bigger and cheetahs may be faster, God gives special attention to humanity. Let’s treat one another with the value that God has assigned to us. When we see one another as God sees us, it should stop so much gossiping and character assassinating.
If the world could see humanity as God does, it would have an impact on the violence, hatred, and oppression that seems to be so prevalent. The worst and weakest of humanity still have value in the eyes of God and should, consequently, have value in the eyes of God’s people.
4. High value living. Notice in vss. 5-6 that humanity is a little lower than angels, which is much higher than a little above the “Big Bang’s” theory of our coming from apes.
When we see ourselves as God sees us then we should lift up our heads. No matter what people say about us and to us, God has the last word. Let’s live like we are highly valued by God. Such living should be noted for health and wealth stewardship.
It should be noted for self love. When we harm ourselves with drugs, lack of health care, and poor financial stewardship, we are not acting like we are a little lower than angels. We are acting as if we are expendable mice or rabbits.
5. Dominion and stewardship. Notice in vss. 6-8 that God has given humanity dominion over His creation. However, with such authority comes the responsibility to exercise stewardship or management that glorifies and pleases God.
When we hear about unnecessary pollution and the terrible treatment of animals, Christians should be concerned. These things are contrary to the wise stewardship that we should be exercising with our God given dominion.
Let’s use the dominion that God has given us to be wise stewards for Him. Recycling, energy conservation, preserving nature, and things of this nature are in view.
6. Excellence and worship. Notice in vs. 9 that the excellence of God is mentioned again. When we really get our minds aimed at the excellence of God then there will not be such a great need to urge believers to engage in enthusiastic worship.
A little God deserves little praise. But a great big God who has been gracious towards us deserves enthusiastic praise. A dead, dry, quiet, and boring worship service is an indication of how little the worshippers appreciate the excellence of God.
It is not a reflection on the reality of God’s excellence. Let’s worship God like we know that He is excellent.
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