God’s Greatness and Our Position

Psalms Chapter 8 – Reflection on God’s Greatness and Man’s Position Personal reflection on the overwhelming nature of God’s faithfulness and the desire to express gratitude. Feeling inadequate to fully praise God. Acknowledging God’s personal visits and interactions. God’s Name Above All Names Emphasis on the unparalleled greatness of Jesus’ name. A name above every name, at which every knee shall bow. The only name through which salvation is possible. The Psalmist’s Overwhelmed Praise The psalmist’s attempt to praise God for His deeds and experiences. Desire to testify about the Lord and His goodness. Recognizing God’s glory is above all earthly things. God’s Glory Above the Heavens God’s glory is set above the heavens, emphasizing His transcendence. God created the earth and all that exists. The creation is not God, but a product of His power. God is not dead or mute but real and able to do all things. Even with advanced technology, the end of the cosmos cannot be seen. God loves and sustains individuals. Strength Ordained from Babes and Sucklings God uses the least among us to demonstrate His strength. Reference to David’s victory over Goliath as an example. David’s recollection of God’s past interventions (lion and bear). God can do great things through those who seem insignificant. David and Goliath David’s preparation to fight Goliath. David’s father sending him to check on his brothers at battle. David’s youth and lack of traditional armor. David’s faith in God’s protection based on past experiences. Saul’s initial disbelief in David’s ability to fight Goliath. David’s reliance on his sling and staff, tools he was familiar with. Confrontation in the Valley David’s encounter with Goliath. Goliath’s mockery and cursing. David’s declaration of coming in the name of the Lord. The battle belongs to God. God can take the least and slay the greatest. Victory Through God’s Name David’s victory over Goliath through faith in God. One smooth stone was enough to defeat the giant. Encouragement to believe in God’s power to conquer any challenge. If God is for us, who can be against us? David running towards Goliath. David using Goliath’s sword to cut off his head. Considering the Heavens Reflection on the vastness of the heavens and God’s creation. Feeling small when considering the cosmos. Questioning man’s significance in light of God’s creation. Contemplation and meditation on God’s wonders. Everything was created by God, not by accident. Man’s Status: A Little Lower Than Angels Man is made a little lower than the angels but crowned with glory and honor. Clarification that humans do not become angels after death. God chose to socialize with humans despite having angels. Crowned with glory (the Holy Spirit). Angels do not have the Holy Spirit. Crowned with Glory and Honor The glory of the Lord is His presence. The Holy Ghost filled the soul. Wear the crown of glory that God has given. The glory of God in the Old Testament was always His presence. If you don’t have the presence of God, you aren’t one of His. If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Crowned with honor. Not the honor of men or the world. Called the sons of God. Adopted and given His name. An heir to God and a joint heir with Christ. Given a new name. God gave His only begotten Son. Made in His image. Dominion Over Creation Man is given dominion over all of God’s creation. Sheep, oxen, beasts of the field, fowls of the air, fish of the sea. Responsibility to be good stewards of what has been entrusted. Death as a Shadow Death is merely a shadow for those crowned with glory and honor. The Holy Spirit’s glory gets us through death. Offer the Holy Spirit’s glory back to God in heaven. Offer all honor back to God in heaven. Final Reflection Reiterating the question: What is man that God is so mindful of him? Encouragement to remember Psalms 8 in times of difficulty. Remind yourself who you are and what you’ve been given.