What is a man?
By LYNDON DECKER
First Southern Baptist Church
The fall of the year is a spectacular time when God displays His magnificent handiwork. I have to marvel at the changes in nature as the colors change on the vegetation. This activity seems to shout our praises and glory to God who makes this all possible. The birds lifting their voices in praise God and the squirrels scampering to prepare for winter are all things God has given us to enjoy. Nature just seems to lift its voice in praise to God for God is good.
David expresses the awesomeness of God in nature when he expresses himself in Psalm 8. He apparently was out at night and was gazing at God's handiwork in the sky. He mentions the awesomeness of the moon and stars another of God's handiwork.
Recently, while I have been traveling to work, the sun has been rising. It has been fascinating to see the beauty of the sunrise. David seems to express that for God bringing all of this into being was no major task for Him. He states that this handwork was the work of his fingers. No huge piece of equipment was needed to bring all of this into being. This does suggest how intricately made the things of nature are. If we look at a flower, we see the delicate and intricate part of this creation.
As David viewed God's awesome handiwork, he asked, "God why do you even think of me? Why am I important to you? What makes me special? I am just nothing compared to the rest of creation." David gives us some answers to these questions. Man was made an intelligent and rational being. In his flesh he was made a little lower than the angels. Man was make to have dominion over the animals, birds, and fish.
The Psalmist also suggests the humiliation and glorification of God's son Jesus Christ who gave His life for our redemption and will some day rule this world. God's great interest in man is because He has a great investment in man in the purchase of our redemption.
He also wants to have fellowship with us. Psalm 8 opens and closes with the same words. The Psalmist addressed God as our Lord. He is to be our God and Lord, and we are to be His prized possession bringing glory to Him.
