Glory Above, Dominion Below

WEBVTT
1
00:00:00.560 --> 00:00:01.780
In 1885,
2
00:00:03.800 --> 00:00:07.800
a Swedish pastor named Carl Boberg experienced a violent thunderstorm.
3
00:00:08.560 --> 00:00:09.780
But when the storm passed, the
4
00:00:09.780 --> 00:00:14.720
scene that followed caused him to stop and consider the greatness of God.
5
00:00:15.590 --> 00:00:17.130
That experience inspired the
6
00:00:17.130 --> 00:00:21.550
poem that would eventually become the beloved hymn, How Great Thou Art.
7
00:00:22.530 --> 00:00:27.160
More than a thousand years earlier, David had a remarkably similar response
8
00:00:27.160 --> 00:00:29.280
when he looked into the night sky.
9
00:00:30.050 --> 00:00:36.090
He saw the heavens, he saw the moon and the stars, and he saw the handiwork of God.
10
00:00:36.870 --> 00:00:41.440
But then David asked a question, what is man that thou art mindful of him?
11
00:00:41.930 --> 00:00:46.570
How can the God who created the vastness of the heavens care about people like us?
12
00:00:47.250 --> 00:00:52.950
Psalm 8 takes us on a journey from awe to humility to responsibility.
13
00:00:53.450 --> 00:00:56.490
He reminds us that although we are small in comparison to our Creator,
14
00:00:56.880 --> 00:01:02.870
he has given humanity dignity, purpose, and a responsibility to care for what he has made.
15
00:01:03.200 --> 00:01:08.120
Today, we'll look at the glory above, the dominion below, and what it means
16
00:01:08.120 --> 00:01:10.330
to live humbly before our great God.
17
00:01:10.950 --> 00:01:16.069
This is glory above, dominion below, today on...
18
00:01:41.880 --> 00:01:45.140
One byte at a time. I'm your host, Randy Black. I'm an educator,
19
00:01:45.140 --> 00:01:48.910
technology specialist, and podcaster who's been a Christian for over three decades,
20
00:01:48.910 --> 00:01:52.550
and I'm glad that you've joined me as we continue our journey through the Psalms
21
00:01:52.690 --> 00:01:55.230
together here on Bible Bytes.
22
00:01:56.200 --> 00:02:01.600
Last time on the show, we began our new series, The Most Popular Psalms, with Psalm 1.
23
00:02:02.230 --> 00:02:06.920
We discovered that our daily choices shape the direction of our lives and that
24
00:02:06.920 --> 00:02:11.720
a life rooted in God's Word produces stability, fruitfulness, and a lasting hope.
25
00:02:12.490 --> 00:02:17.580
Today, we're turning our attention to Psalm 8. While Psalm 1 asks us to consider
26
00:02:17.580 --> 00:02:18.990
the path beneath our feet,
27
00:02:19.650 --> 00:02:24.490
Psalm 8 invites us to look upward to the heavens, the moon, and the stars,
28
00:02:24.889 --> 00:02:27.620
and to consider the greatness of the God who created them.
29
00:02:28.430 --> 00:02:33.540
And as we look at God's majesty, we'll also discover something remarkable about ourselves.
30
00:02:34.030 --> 00:02:39.530
The God who created the heavens has chosen to be mindful of humanity and has
31
00:02:39.530 --> 00:02:43.310
entrusted us with responsibility over his creation.
32
00:02:43.970 --> 00:02:48.580
As we study Psalm 8, we'll consider what God's greatness teaches us about all,
33
00:02:49.060 --> 00:02:51.220
humility and responsibility.
34
00:02:52.120 --> 00:02:56.639
Before we open God's word together, let's open up and begin with a word of prayer.
35
00:02:57.900 --> 00:03:02.360
Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts, humbled by the greatness of who you are.
36
00:03:03.160 --> 00:03:08.020
As we open Psalm 8 today, help us to see your glory in the heavens and throughout
37
00:03:08.020 --> 00:03:09.290
the world that you've created.
38
00:03:10.160 --> 00:03:14.220
Give us hearts that respond to your greatness with genuine awe and with worship.
39
00:03:15.110 --> 00:03:20.770
Lord, help us as we consider the vastness of your creation. Remind us of our
40
00:03:20.770 --> 00:03:22.370
proper place before you.
41
00:03:23.060 --> 00:03:28.950
Keep us from pride, but also remind us that you have created us in your image,
42
00:03:28.950 --> 00:03:32.930
given us dignity, and entrusted us with responsibility.
43
00:03:33.630 --> 00:03:36.920
Give us wisdom to faithfully care for what you've placed in our hands.
44
00:03:37.470 --> 00:03:41.220
Help us exercise the authority you've given us with humility,
45
00:03:41.580 --> 00:03:43.400
compassion, and faithfulness.
46
00:03:44.100 --> 00:03:49.280
And above all, turn our eyes toward you. May this study deepen our understanding
47
00:03:49.280 --> 00:03:53.180
of your greatness, strengthen our humility, and help us live more faithfully
48
00:03:53.180 --> 00:03:56.160
as stewards of all that you've entrusted to us.
49
00:03:57.010 --> 00:04:01.310
We ask these things in the name of your Son, Jesus, our Savior. Amen.
50
00:04:02.150 --> 00:04:08.050
Our study today comes from Psalm 8, a short but powerful psalm that draws our
51
00:04:08.050 --> 00:04:14.140
attention first to the greatness of God and then to the remarkable place he has given to humanity.
52
00:04:15.180 --> 00:04:19.520
As we read these nine verses, listen for the movement of David's thoughts.
53
00:04:20.100 --> 00:04:23.640
He begins by declaring the excellence of God's name.
54
00:04:24.240 --> 00:04:28.970
He looks upwards at the heavens, considers the smallness of humanity,
55
00:04:29.690 --> 00:04:35.430
and then marvels that God has given mankind glory, honor, and responsibility.
56
00:04:37.520 --> 00:04:44.440
Psalm 8, beginning in verse 1. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in
57
00:04:44.440 --> 00:04:48.230
all the earth, who has set thy glory above the heavens.
58
00:04:49.170 --> 00:04:53.830
Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because
59
00:04:53.830 --> 00:04:59.430
of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
60
00:05:00.310 --> 00:05:04.779
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars,
61
00:05:05.020 --> 00:05:09.820
which thou hast ordained, what is man that thou art mindful of him,
62
00:05:10.440 --> 00:05:13.320
and the son of man that thou visiteth him?
63
00:05:14.020 --> 00:05:20.820
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor.
64
00:05:21.700 --> 00:05:25.320
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands.
65
00:05:25.740 --> 00:05:30.250
Thou hast put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen,
66
00:05:30.250 --> 00:05:34.970
yea, and the beasts of the field, the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea,
67
00:05:35.240 --> 00:05:38.270
and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
68
00:05:38.700 --> 00:05:44.170
O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth.
69
00:05:46.420 --> 00:05:51.820
What a remarkable progression. David begins with God's glory,
70
00:05:51.820 --> 00:05:57.470
considers the vastness of his creation, and then asks how the God who made all
71
00:05:57.470 --> 00:06:00.029
of this could be mindful of humanity.
72
00:06:00.920 --> 00:06:06.330
Yet the answer is not that mankind is insignificant. God has given humanity
73
00:06:06.330 --> 00:06:09.140
glory, honor, and responsibility.
74
00:06:09.850 --> 00:06:15.300
And that tension between our humility before our great God and the responsibility
75
00:06:15.300 --> 00:06:19.540
he has entrusted to us is at the heart of Psalm 8.
76
00:06:20.260 --> 00:06:25.940
Before we begin to examine those truths more closely, let's take a step back
77
00:06:26.240 --> 00:06:31.230
and consider where this psalm fits within the larger story of Scripture.
78
00:06:32.280 --> 00:06:37.210
Psalm 8 is identified in its opening inscription as a psalm of David.
79
00:06:37.890 --> 00:06:42.030
It was written as a song of worship, giving us a glimpse into David's response
80
00:06:42.030 --> 00:06:45.280
to the greatness of God revealed through creation.
81
00:06:46.470 --> 00:06:51.820
The title also includes the phrase upon getteth. We cannot say with any certainty
82
00:06:51.820 --> 00:06:53.950
exactly what that term refers to,
83
00:06:54.560 --> 00:06:59.580
but it appears to be some kind of musical or liturgical direction reminding
84
00:06:59.580 --> 00:07:04.530
us that these words were intended not simply to be read, but to be sung in worship.
85
00:07:04.800 --> 00:07:10.170
Similar musical instructions also appear in Psalm 81 and Psalm 84.
86
00:07:11.020 --> 00:07:15.480
But Psalm 8 is connected to something much older than David's own experience.
87
00:07:16.470 --> 00:07:21.880
When David speaks about humanity being given dominion over the works of God's
88
00:07:21.880 --> 00:07:27.630
hands, he's reflecting the truth that's established back in Genesis chapter 1.
89
00:07:28.180 --> 00:07:30.380
From the beginning, God created mankind
90
00:07:30.380 --> 00:07:34.660
in his image and gave humanity responsibility over all his creation.
91
00:07:35.570 --> 00:07:38.490
That makes David's question even more remarkable here.
92
00:07:39.270 --> 00:07:42.360
He looks at the heavens and recognizes the greatness of God.
93
00:07:42.970 --> 00:07:48.640
Then he considers humanity and asks, what is man? that thou art mindful of him.
94
00:07:49.640 --> 00:07:54.400
And yet scripture doesn't leave that question unanswered. In the New Testament,
95
00:07:54.760 --> 00:07:59.760
we return to Psalm 8 in Hebrews chapter 2, applying its language about humanity's
96
00:07:59.760 --> 00:08:02.080
dominion ultimately to Jesus Christ.
97
00:08:02.680 --> 00:08:07.520
What David saw as God's purpose for humanity finds its fullest expression in
98
00:08:07.520 --> 00:08:12.890
Christ, who was made a little lower than the angels and is now crowned with glory and honor.
99
00:08:13.730 --> 00:08:18.200
So, Psalm 8 is doing more than giving us beautiful poetry about the night sky.
100
00:08:18.730 --> 00:08:22.420
It connects creation, humanity's dignity and responsibility,
101
00:08:22.700 --> 00:08:26.330
and ultimately the person and the work of Jesus Christ.
102
00:08:27.210 --> 00:08:32.130
With that foundation in place, let's look first at what David saw when he lifted
103
00:08:32.130 --> 00:08:33.620
his eyes toward the heavens.
104
00:08:34.570 --> 00:08:37.070
Psalm 8 begins with a declaration of.
105
00:08:41.110 --> 00:08:45.750
Name in all the earth, who has set thy glory above the heavens.
106
00:08:46.900 --> 00:08:50.720
David doesn't begin by talking about himself. He begins with God.
107
00:08:51.320 --> 00:08:56.390
And before he considers humanity's place in creation, he establishes the greatness of the Creator.
108
00:08:56.929 --> 00:09:00.790
God's name is excellent in all the earth, and his glory is above the heavens.
109
00:09:01.620 --> 00:09:05.840
Then David turns his attention upward. When I consider thy heavens,
110
00:09:05.840 --> 00:09:09.580
the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hath ordained.
111
00:09:10.530 --> 00:09:15.390
David isn't simply admiring a beautiful night sky. He's looking at creation
112
00:09:15.809 --> 00:09:18.100
and recognizing the creator who's behind it.
113
00:09:18.679 --> 00:09:24.620
The heavens are God's work. The moon and the stars are not accidents or objects of worship.
114
00:09:25.010 --> 00:09:27.130
They are evidence of the one who made them.
115
00:09:27.870 --> 00:09:32.309
This same truth appears throughout scripture. Let's look at Psalm 19 verse 1
116
00:09:32.590 --> 00:09:36.380
where it declares this, The heavens declare thy glory of God,
117
00:09:36.679 --> 00:09:39.450
and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.
118
00:09:40.270 --> 00:09:44.040
Creation points beyond itself. When we see
119
00:09:44.420 --> 00:09:47.809
the vastness of the heavens, the complexity of the world around us,
120
00:09:48.160 --> 00:09:53.700
and the order woven throughout creation, we're reminded there is a creator greater
121
00:09:53.700 --> 00:09:55.780
than anything that he has made.
122
00:09:56.679 --> 00:09:59.370
That's where true worship begins.
123
00:10:00.440 --> 00:10:04.260
Carl Boberg experienced something similar when he looked at the world around
124
00:10:04.260 --> 00:10:08.870
him and was moved to write the poem that eventually became the hymn, How Great Thou Art.
125
00:10:09.770 --> 00:10:15.370
The creation wasn't the object of his worship. It directed his attention to God.
126
00:10:16.070 --> 00:10:19.860
This is exactly what David is doing in Psalm 8.
127
00:10:20.700 --> 00:10:24.910
He looks at the heavens and responds with awe because he recognizes the greatness
128
00:10:24.910 --> 00:10:25.950
of the one who created them.
129
00:10:26.860 --> 00:10:30.780
But there's another detail in David's language that's really easy to overlook.
130
00:10:31.600 --> 00:10:34.280
He describes the heavens as the work of thy fingers.
131
00:10:35.160 --> 00:10:39.990
Think about the picture David is giving us here. The heavens that seem enormous
132
00:10:39.990 --> 00:10:43.309
to us are described as the work of God's fingers.
133
00:10:44.020 --> 00:10:50.490
The stars that appear beyond our ability to comprehend are still part of what God has fashioned.
134
00:10:51.309 --> 00:10:55.670
The universe may overwhelm us with its size, but it does not overwhelm God.
135
00:10:56.610 --> 00:11:01.679
He's greater than his creation. And when we begin to grasp even a small part
136
00:11:01.679 --> 00:11:04.620
of that truth, it changes our perspective.
137
00:11:05.200 --> 00:11:11.040
It reminds us that God is not simply a larger version of us. He is the creator.
138
00:11:11.690 --> 00:11:17.590
We are his creation. He is sovereign. We are dependent. He is eternal.
139
00:11:18.330 --> 00:11:24.809
Our lives are only temporary. And yet this is where Psalm 8 begins to become even more remarkable.
140
00:11:25.679 --> 00:11:28.840
David has looked at the heavens and recognized how great God is.
141
00:11:29.480 --> 00:11:35.080
Now he looks at humanity and asks, What is man that thou art mindful of him?
142
00:11:35.850 --> 00:11:40.520
The greatness of God is about to lead David to an unexpected discovery.
143
00:11:41.340 --> 00:11:48.610
Not that humanity is worthless, but that the God who is so great has chosen to care about us.
144
00:11:49.299 --> 00:11:51.000
And that's where we need to look next.
145
00:11:52.730 --> 00:11:56.500
After looking at the heavens and declaring the greatness of God,
146
00:11:56.970 --> 00:12:01.260
David asks one of the most remarkable questions that we find in all of Scripture.
147
00:12:02.250 --> 00:12:07.870
What is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou visiteth him?
148
00:12:09.150 --> 00:12:13.270
Think about what David has just considered. He's looked at the heavens.
149
00:12:13.690 --> 00:12:17.890
He's seen the moon and the stars. He's considered the work of God's hands.
150
00:12:18.350 --> 00:12:23.299
And in comparison to all that, humanity seems incredibly small.
151
00:12:24.730 --> 00:12:30.400
The universe is vast. Our lives are brief. Our abilities are limited.
152
00:12:31.200 --> 00:12:34.750
And yet David is amazed that God is mindful of us.
153
00:12:35.640 --> 00:12:40.160
The question isn't, why are human beings so important? The question is,
154
00:12:40.559 --> 00:12:44.890
why would a God this great pay attention to us at all?
155
00:12:45.640 --> 00:12:49.210
And that question gives us an important lesson about biblical humility.
156
00:12:50.040 --> 00:12:54.970
Humility doesn't mean believing that we have no value. It means understanding
157
00:12:54.970 --> 00:12:57.240
where it is our value comes from.
158
00:12:58.570 --> 00:13:06.110
Our worth isn't something we create for ourselves. It comes from the God who created us.
159
00:13:07.150 --> 00:13:10.800
Genesis chapter 1 tells us that God created mankind in his own image.
160
00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:15.550
That means human beings have a dignity that is unique within creation.
161
00:13:16.390 --> 00:13:20.360
We are small compared with the heavens, but we are not insignificant to God.
162
00:13:21.340 --> 00:13:26.760
David then continues, For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels,
163
00:13:27.160 --> 00:13:32.340
and has crowned him with glory and honor. Notice the balance there.
164
00:13:33.290 --> 00:13:36.910
David doesn't respond to God's greatness by declaring humanity worthless.
165
00:13:37.710 --> 00:13:42.720
Instead, he marvels that God has given humanity glory and honor.
166
00:13:43.540 --> 00:13:44.900
That should change the way that
167
00:13:44.900 --> 00:13:48.840
we see ourselves. We don't need to make ourselves greater than we are.
168
00:13:49.340 --> 00:13:52.470
We don't need to prove our worth through accomplishments, possessions,
169
00:13:52.840 --> 00:13:54.730
recognition, or status.
170
00:13:55.690 --> 00:13:59.350
And we don't need to diminish ourselves because we recognize how great God is.
171
00:13:59.880 --> 00:14:02.190
Our identity begins with him.
172
00:14:02.910 --> 00:14:07.090
This is where the connection to how great thou art becomes especially meaningful.
173
00:14:08.140 --> 00:14:11.900
The more clearly we see God's greatness, the more clearly we understand our
174
00:14:11.900 --> 00:14:13.070
proper place before him.
175
00:14:14.080 --> 00:14:19.770
A great God leaves no room for human pride, but a great God who's mindful of
176
00:14:19.770 --> 00:14:23.320
us gives us every reason for gratitude.
177
00:14:24.110 --> 00:14:29.090
There is something deeply comforting about knowing that the creator who holds
178
00:14:29.090 --> 00:14:36.280
the heavens in his hands knows us, cares about us, and has given our lives meaning and purpose.
179
00:14:37.710 --> 00:14:44.300
Psalm 103 reminds us that God knows our frame and remembers that we are dust.
180
00:14:45.310 --> 00:14:50.390
He knows our limitations. He knows our weaknesses. And He knows how fragile
181
00:14:50.390 --> 00:14:52.940
we are, and yet He still cares for us.
182
00:14:53.790 --> 00:15:00.310
That's the humility that Psalm 8 teaches. We are not the center of the universe. God is.
183
00:15:01.070 --> 00:15:03.990
We are not self-sufficient. We depend upon Him.
184
00:15:04.860 --> 00:15:06.900
But neither are we meaningless.
185
00:15:07.800 --> 00:15:13.530
We have been created by him, made in his image, and given a purpose that comes from his very hands.
186
00:15:14.330 --> 00:15:18.180
And that brings us to the next part of David's thought. Because God hasn't simply
187
00:15:18.180 --> 00:15:22.370
given humanity dignity, he's also given us responsibility.
188
00:15:23.050 --> 00:15:28.960
The God who crowned humanity with glory and honor has entrusted us with dominion over his creation.
189
00:15:29.660 --> 00:15:36.220
And that is where the humility within us must become responsibility below us.
190
00:15:37.970 --> 00:15:42.930
After asking why God is mindful of humanity, David reveals something very remarkable
191
00:15:42.930 --> 00:15:44.810
about the position God has given us.
192
00:15:45.860 --> 00:15:50.650
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels and has crowned him with glory and honor.
193
00:15:51.500 --> 00:15:56.550
And then he continues further. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands.
194
00:15:56.840 --> 00:15:59.930
Thou hast put all things under his feet.
195
00:16:01.180 --> 00:16:05.460
The God who created everything has entrusted humanity with responsibility over
196
00:16:05.460 --> 00:16:06.590
what it is that he's made.
197
00:16:07.320 --> 00:16:11.350
That takes us back to Genesis chapter 1. When God created mankind in his own
198
00:16:11.350 --> 00:16:15.260
image, he gave them dominion over the fish of the sea, the fowl of the air,
199
00:16:15.420 --> 00:16:17.120
and the living creatures of the earth.
200
00:16:17.800 --> 00:16:19.650
Psalm 8 reflects that same truth.
201
00:16:20.440 --> 00:16:24.660
But we need to understand what biblical dominion means. Dominion does not mean
202
00:16:24.660 --> 00:16:27.940
that creation belongs to us. It belongs to God.
203
00:16:28.540 --> 00:16:34.020
David calls it the works of thy hands. We're not the owners. We are the stewards.
204
00:16:34.760 --> 00:16:37.890
God has entrusted something to us that ultimately belongs to him.
205
00:16:38.440 --> 00:16:41.230
That changes the way that we think about responsibility.
206
00:16:42.020 --> 00:16:46.880
When God gives us authority, he isn't giving us permission to use it however we please.
207
00:16:47.330 --> 00:16:50.970
He's giving us something to manage faithfully on his behalf.
208
00:16:51.500 --> 00:16:54.700
That applies to more than just the natural world.
209
00:16:55.720 --> 00:16:58.440
God has entrusted each of us with abilities, with opportunities,
210
00:16:58.440 --> 00:17:01.990
resources, relationships, time, and influence.
211
00:17:02.620 --> 00:17:06.830
The question isn't simply, what do I have? The better question is,
212
00:17:07.090 --> 00:17:10.820
what has God entrusted to me and how am I using it for Him?
213
00:17:11.609 --> 00:17:14.770
This is where humility and responsibility come together.
214
00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:20.630
If we focus only on God's greatness, we might be tempted to think that our lives are too small to matter.
215
00:17:21.240 --> 00:17:26.590
If we focus only on humanity's authority, we become proud and forget who gave
216
00:17:26.590 --> 00:17:28.190
us that authority in the first place.
217
00:17:28.970 --> 00:17:32.140
Psalm 8 holds both truths together.
218
00:17:33.160 --> 00:17:38.500
God is infinitely greater than us, and yet he's given us meaningful responsibility.
219
00:17:39.550 --> 00:17:42.900
We are small before him, but we are not without purpose.
220
00:17:43.480 --> 00:17:48.030
And there is an even greater dimension to this passage. The writer of Hebrews
221
00:17:48.030 --> 00:17:52.630
quotes Psalm 8 and applies its language ultimately to Jesus Christ.
222
00:17:53.330 --> 00:17:57.150
Hebrews chapter 2 reminds us that although humanity was given dominion,
223
00:17:57.410 --> 00:18:00.720
we do not yet see everything under humanity's feet.
224
00:18:01.490 --> 00:18:05.810
But then the writer points us to Jesus, who was made a little lower than the
225
00:18:05.810 --> 00:18:10.990
angels and crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death for us.
226
00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:16.080
Jesus is the one who ultimately fulfills what Psalm 8 describes.
227
00:18:16.710 --> 00:18:21.790
Where humanity failed in stewardship and in obedience, Christ remained perfectly faithful.
228
00:18:22.330 --> 00:18:28.400
He is the true and righteous ruler, and through him we see God's purposes for humanity most clearly.
229
00:18:29.080 --> 00:18:32.440
So Psalm 8 gives us a proper perspective on responsibility.
230
00:18:33.119 --> 00:18:37.140
We don't exercise dominion because we're sovereign. We exercise responsibility
231
00:18:37.320 --> 00:18:38.660
because God is sovereign.
232
00:18:39.540 --> 00:18:42.369
We don't care for what he has made because it belongs to us.
233
00:18:42.660 --> 00:18:45.400
We care for it because it belongs to him.
234
00:18:45.960 --> 00:18:49.460
And we don't use the gifts and the opportunities he gives us to elevate ourselves.
235
00:18:49.869 --> 00:18:53.820
We use them to glorify the one who entrusted them to us.
236
00:18:54.590 --> 00:19:00.240
That's the balance that Psalm 8 gives us. Glory above, humility within,
237
00:19:00.470 --> 00:19:02.540
and faithful responsibility below.
238
00:19:03.340 --> 00:19:08.010
When we understand how great God is, we don't become less responsible.
239
00:19:08.490 --> 00:19:14.630
We become more responsible because everything we have ultimately comes from him.
240
00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:20.580
Psalm 8 gives us more than a beautiful picture of God's creation.
241
00:19:21.330 --> 00:19:26.170
It gives us a different way to live. The first practical lesson is to cultivate all.
242
00:19:26.820 --> 00:19:30.260
We live in a world filled with distractions, and it's easy to move through our
243
00:19:30.260 --> 00:19:33.369
days without stopping to notice the work of God's hands.
244
00:19:34.240 --> 00:19:38.820
Take time to look at the sky, the stars, the changing seasons,
245
00:19:39.070 --> 00:19:41.680
or the world as it places itself around you.
246
00:19:42.470 --> 00:19:45.930
Let creation turn your attention toward the Creator.
247
00:19:47.410 --> 00:19:50.760
When we see the greatness of God, it should change our perspective.
248
00:19:51.220 --> 00:19:55.400
And that leads us to the second lesson, practice biblical humility.
249
00:19:56.470 --> 00:20:00.320
Psalm 8 reminds us that we are small compared with our Creator,
250
00:20:00.840 --> 00:20:02.420
but we're not insignificant to Him.
251
00:20:02.980 --> 00:20:05.810
Our value doesn't come from our accomplishments, possessions,
252
00:20:05.940 --> 00:20:07.770
position, or popularity.
253
00:20:08.320 --> 00:20:12.070
It comes from the God who created us and chose to be mindful of us.
254
00:20:13.630 --> 00:20:18.599
Third, consider what God has entrusted to you, your time, your abilities,
255
00:20:19.349 --> 00:20:23.500
your resources, your relationships, your influence, your opportunities.
256
00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:28.849
Instead of asking only, what do I have? Again, ask, what has God entrusted to
257
00:20:28.849 --> 00:20:31.080
me and am I using it faithfully?
258
00:20:32.490 --> 00:20:36.450
Finally, remember that responsibility and humility belong together.
259
00:20:37.160 --> 00:20:41.020
We are not called to exercise dominion as though we own everything.
260
00:20:41.560 --> 00:20:45.150
We're called to be faithful stewards of what belongs to God.
261
00:20:46.310 --> 00:20:49.830
So here's a challenge for this week. Read Psalm 8 again.
262
00:20:50.470 --> 00:20:55.520
If possible, read it somewhere you can see the sky or observe God's creation.
263
00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:58.760
Take a few moments to consider His greatness.
264
00:20:59.590 --> 00:21:02.730
Then, ask yourself three questions.
265
00:21:03.900 --> 00:21:06.470
What has God given me that I tend to take for granted?
266
00:21:07.650 --> 00:21:13.320
Where am I tempted toward pride? and what has God entrusted to me that I need
267
00:21:13.320 --> 00:21:14.670
to manage more faithfully.
268
00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:22.260
Let Psalm 8 move you from all to humility to faithful responsibility and let
269
00:21:22.260 --> 00:21:24.950
your response to God's greatness be more than words.
270
00:21:25.340 --> 00:21:27.900
Let it shape the way you live.
271
00:21:30.260 --> 00:21:35.950
Psalm 8 takes us from the greatness of God to the responsibility that he's given to humanity.
272
00:21:36.760 --> 00:21:41.740
So let's gather together six important truths that we've discovered in today's study.
273
00:21:43.040 --> 00:21:47.090
First, God's greatness should produce awe and worship.
274
00:21:48.090 --> 00:21:53.530
When David looked at the heavens, the moon, and the stars, he saw more than the beauty of creation.
275
00:21:54.369 --> 00:21:58.740
He saw the work of God's hands. Creation points us toward the Creator,
276
00:21:59.210 --> 00:22:04.030
and it reminds us that God's glory is greater than anything that He has made.
277
00:22:05.560 --> 00:22:11.090
Second, biblical humility recognizes both our smallness and our God-given worth.
278
00:22:12.020 --> 00:22:16.460
We are small compared with the vastness of creation, yet God is mindful of us.
279
00:22:17.109 --> 00:22:22.119
He has crowned humanity with glory and honor. Recognizing God's greatness should
280
00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:27.030
humble us, but it should never cause us to believe that our lives have no value.
281
00:22:28.700 --> 00:22:32.869
Third, our worth comes from God, not from our achievements.
282
00:22:33.990 --> 00:22:39.200
We don't have to establish our value through possessions or recognition or success or influence.
283
00:22:39.770 --> 00:22:46.099
Our dignity begins with the God who created us in his image and gave our lives a purpose.
284
00:22:48.010 --> 00:22:51.760
Fourth, God has entrusted humanity with meaningful responsibility.
285
00:22:52.590 --> 00:22:57.490
Psalm 8 tells us that God gave humanity dominion over the works of His hands.
286
00:22:58.260 --> 00:23:04.640
Creation ultimately belongs to Him, so our role is not ownership, but stewardship.
287
00:23:04.910 --> 00:23:09.530
We are responsible for faithfully managing what He has placed in our care.
288
00:23:10.920 --> 00:23:14.869
Fifth, humility and responsibility must work together.
289
00:23:16.080 --> 00:23:19.090
We should never become so proud that we forget our dependence upon God,
290
00:23:19.470 --> 00:23:23.520
but neither should we become so focused on our smallness that we neglect the
291
00:23:23.520 --> 00:23:25.200
responsibilities He has given us.
292
00:23:26.130 --> 00:23:33.410
We are small before our Creator, yet we have been entrusted with meaningful work from Him.
293
00:23:35.640 --> 00:23:40.480
Finally, Jesus Christ ultimately fulfills the purposes that were revealed in Psalm 8.
294
00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:45.540
Hebrews 2 points us toward Christ as the one who fulfills God's purposes for humanity.
295
00:23:46.220 --> 00:23:52.750
In Him, we see perfect obedience, true authority, and the glory and honor that God intended.
296
00:23:54.109 --> 00:23:57.470
If there's one truth that I hope you carry with you from today's study, it's this.
297
00:23:58.070 --> 00:24:02.760
The greater our understanding of God becomes, the more humbly we should see
298
00:24:02.760 --> 00:24:08.190
ourselves, and the more faithfully we should fulfill what it is that He's entrusted to us.
299
00:24:09.210 --> 00:24:15.500
Look up and see his glory Look within with humility Then look around you and
300
00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:19.440
faithfully care for what God has placed in our hands.
301
00:24:21.460 --> 00:24:26.109
Psalm 8 invites us to stop and consider not only the greatness of God,
302
00:24:26.730 --> 00:24:31.340
but how that greatness should shape the way we see ourselves and live our lives.
303
00:24:32.290 --> 00:24:36.300
As you reflect on today's study, consider these questions. First,
304
00:24:36.570 --> 00:24:40.910
when was the last time you deliberately stopped to consider the greatness of God?
305
00:24:42.080 --> 00:24:48.460
Does the wonder of His creation still produce genuine awe and worship inside your heart?
306
00:24:50.080 --> 00:24:53.910
Second, do you have a proper view of yourself before God?
307
00:24:54.640 --> 00:24:59.200
Are you becoming too focused on your own importance? Or have you allowed your
308
00:24:59.200 --> 00:25:02.500
humility to become a belief that your life has little value?
309
00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:09.109
Third, where are you looking for your worth? Are you measuring yourself by your
310
00:25:09.109 --> 00:25:15.130
accomplishments, possessions, recognition, or influence rather than remembering
311
00:25:15.390 --> 00:25:18.540
that your value comes from the God who created you?
312
00:25:19.740 --> 00:25:22.760
And fourth, what has God entrusted to you?
313
00:25:23.550 --> 00:25:28.620
Consider your time, abilities, resources, relationships, opportunities, and influence.
314
00:25:29.210 --> 00:25:33.560
Are you managing those things as a faithful steward for him?
315
00:25:34.840 --> 00:25:39.190
Finally, is there an area where pride is interfering with your responsibility
316
00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:46.360
or where you've used humility as an excuse to avoid doing what God has called you to do?
317
00:25:47.320 --> 00:25:50.440
Take some time this week to answer those questions honestly before the Lord.
318
00:25:50.940 --> 00:25:54.030
Remember, Psalm 8 doesn't tell us that we are worthless.
319
00:25:54.530 --> 00:25:59.550
It reminds us that the God who created the heavens is mindful of us.
320
00:26:00.690 --> 00:26:04.270
We are small before him, but we are not insignificant.
321
00:26:04.390 --> 00:26:09.740
And because he has given us purpose and responsibility, our response should
322
00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:11.570
be humble faithfulness.
323
00:26:12.960 --> 00:26:15.810
As we come to the end of our study on today's episode, I want to leave you with
324
00:26:16.210 --> 00:26:18.140
one encouraging truth from Psalm 8.
325
00:26:19.330 --> 00:26:24.500
The God who created the heavens is mindful of you. Think about that for a moment.
326
00:26:25.430 --> 00:26:29.350
The one whose glory is above the heavens knows you, cares about you,
327
00:26:29.760 --> 00:26:31.420
and has given your life purpose.
328
00:26:32.330 --> 00:26:37.710
You may sometimes feel small. You may wonder whether your work matters,
329
00:26:38.130 --> 00:26:43.840
whether your faithfulness is noticed, or whether your life is even making a difference.
330
00:26:44.820 --> 00:26:49.130
But your value isn't determined by how much attention you receive from other
331
00:26:49.130 --> 00:26:52.730
people. Your value comes from the God who created you.
332
00:26:53.620 --> 00:26:58.820
Psalm 8 reminds us that our smallness before God isn't a reason for despair.
333
00:26:59.460 --> 00:27:02.340
It is a reason for humility and for worship.
334
00:27:03.510 --> 00:27:07.930
And when we don't know what our purpose looks like, we can remember what God
335
00:27:07.930 --> 00:27:09.710
has already entrusted to us.
336
00:27:10.320 --> 00:27:14.500
Our time, our abilities, our relationships, our opportunities,
337
00:27:14.500 --> 00:27:18.150
and our influence are all opportunities to faithfully serve Him.
338
00:27:19.220 --> 00:27:24.390
Ultimately, Psalm 8 points us toward Jesus Christ, through whom God's purposes
339
00:27:24.390 --> 00:27:27.050
for humanity find their fullest expression.
340
00:27:27.820 --> 00:27:31.790
So when you look at the heavens and think, how great thou art, remember this.
341
00:27:32.560 --> 00:27:38.310
That great God is mindful of you. He has given you purpose. He has entrusted
342
00:27:38.310 --> 00:27:39.620
you with responsibility.
343
00:27:40.460 --> 00:27:46.350
And he will never be too great to care about you or too distant to walk with you.
344
00:27:47.180 --> 00:27:52.600
Go into this week with humility, gratitude, and confidence in the God who made
345
00:27:52.600 --> 00:27:55.500
the heavens and is mindful of you.
346
00:27:56.930 --> 00:28:00.060
Let's finish up our study by closing out with a word of prayer.
347
00:28:01.920 --> 00:28:05.840
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the greatness of who you are and for the privilege
348
00:28:05.840 --> 00:28:08.300
of considering your word together today.
349
00:28:09.280 --> 00:28:13.980
Thank you for the heavens, the moon and the stars, and all the works of your hands.
350
00:28:14.920 --> 00:28:20.420
Help us to see your glory in creation and to respond with hearts of genuine awe and worship.
351
00:28:21.180 --> 00:28:25.690
Father, remind us of our proper place before you. Keep us humble,
352
00:28:25.690 --> 00:28:28.690
knowing that we are dependent upon you for everything.
353
00:28:29.700 --> 00:28:35.050
Yet, thank you for being mindful of us, for creating us in your image,
354
00:28:35.050 --> 00:28:38.380
giving us dignity, and giving our lives purpose.
355
00:28:39.450 --> 00:28:42.780
Help us to faithfully care for everything that you've entrusted to us.
356
00:28:43.490 --> 00:28:48.920
Give us wisdom to use our time, our abilities, resources, relationships,
357
00:28:49.140 --> 00:28:51.540
and opportunities in ways that honor you.
358
00:28:52.670 --> 00:28:56.910
Keep us from pride and from treating your gifts as though they belong to us.
359
00:28:57.980 --> 00:29:03.520
And above all, thank you for Jesus Christ. Thank you that he perfectly fulfills
360
00:29:03.520 --> 00:29:07.910
your purposes and that through him we have hope, forgiveness,
361
00:29:08.310 --> 00:29:10.040
and that promise of eternal life.
362
00:29:11.140 --> 00:29:17.290
As we go into this week, help us to remember how great you are and how faithfully you care for us.
363
00:29:18.020 --> 00:29:23.530
May our all lead us to worship, our humility lead us to faithfulness,
364
00:29:23.890 --> 00:29:27.820
and our understanding of your greatness lead us to serve you more completely.
365
00:29:28.590 --> 00:29:33.530
We ask all these things in the precious name of our Savior, your Son, Jesus. Amen.
366
00:29:34.910 --> 00:29:38.710
As we close out today's episode, I want to thank you for being a part of the Bible Bytes community.
367
00:29:39.300 --> 00:29:43.340
I'm grateful that you're taking the time to study God's Word with me each week.
368
00:29:44.100 --> 00:29:48.080
Today's study is focused on the greatness of God revealed through His creation.
369
00:29:49.340 --> 00:29:52.910
I'd love to hear from you. Is there a particular moment when you've looked at
370
00:29:52.910 --> 00:29:56.530
God's creation and been reminded of how great He is?
371
00:29:57.470 --> 00:30:01.580
Maybe it was a beautiful sunrise, or a night filled with stars,
372
00:30:02.310 --> 00:30:07.680
the sound of a storm, or simply a quiet moment when you stopped and considered the work of his hands.
373
00:30:09.160 --> 00:30:13.100
If you'd like to share that experience, or if you have a question about Scripture,
374
00:30:13.330 --> 00:30:17.650
a prayer request, a suggestion for a future episode, or simply want to tell
375
00:30:17.650 --> 00:30:20.420
me how God is using Bible Bytes in your life,
376
00:30:20.890 --> 00:30:26.610
you can reach me through the contact page on our website at Bible-Bytes.com slash contact.
377
00:30:27.040 --> 00:30:32.140
That's Bible-Bytes with a Y, B-Y-T-E-S dot com slash contact.
378
00:30:33.010 --> 00:30:35.830
Bible Bytes is made possible through the value-for-value model.
379
00:30:36.600 --> 00:30:40.850
If these studies have encouraged your faith or helped you grow in your understanding
380
00:30:40.850 --> 00:30:46.230
of God's Word, I invite you to support the ministry in whatever way you believe it has blessed you.
381
00:30:47.100 --> 00:30:51.320
One way to support Bible Bytes is through Boostagrams using a Podcasting 2.0 app.
382
00:30:51.890 --> 00:30:56.250
Your message and sats are an encouragement to me, and they help support the
383
00:30:56.250 --> 00:30:58.060
continued production of the podcast.
384
00:30:58.670 --> 00:31:03.400
You can also find additional ways to support us by going to our website and
385
00:31:03.400 --> 00:31:06.980
looking at bible-bytes.com slash support, the support page there.
386
00:31:07.340 --> 00:31:11.300
It's bible-bytes, B-Y-T-E-S dot com slash support.
387
00:31:12.160 --> 00:31:15.260
And if you do support the podcast, I'll make sure you receive a shout out on
388
00:31:15.260 --> 00:31:18.250
the next episode produced after your support is received.
389
00:31:18.570 --> 00:31:24.320
I want you to know that your generosity and your encouragement are noticed and they're appreciated.
390
00:31:25.120 --> 00:31:28.660
And finally, one of the simplest ways that you can help Bible Bytes grow is
391
00:31:28.660 --> 00:31:30.600
by sharing an episode with someone else.
392
00:31:31.210 --> 00:31:36.290
Send it to a family member. a friend, a co-worker, or someone from your church
393
00:31:36.290 --> 00:31:38.320
who might be encouraged by God's Word.
394
00:31:38.890 --> 00:31:44.410
Sharing the podcast helps us to reach people who may never discover Bible Bytes otherwise.
395
00:31:45.510 --> 00:31:49.310
Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement, and your support,
396
00:31:49.830 --> 00:31:52.420
and ultimately for being a part of this community.
397
00:31:52.870 --> 00:31:57.750
I'm grateful that we can continue studying God's Word together one episode at a time.
398
00:31:59.430 --> 00:32:02.560
Thank you for joining me for today's study of Psalm 8.
399
00:32:03.280 --> 00:32:07.390
We've looked at the glory of God revealed through creation, considered our humble
400
00:32:07.390 --> 00:32:12.990
place before our Creator, and discovered the responsibility that He has entrusted to humanity.
401
00:32:13.860 --> 00:32:17.570
My prayer is that you'll leave this study with a greater sense of awe toward
402
00:32:17.570 --> 00:32:22.980
God, a deeper humility about who you are, and a renewed desire to faithfully
403
00:32:22.980 --> 00:32:26.020
care for everything that He's placed in your hands.
404
00:32:26.980 --> 00:32:31.420
Perhaps the next time you look in the night sky, you'll remember David's words.
405
00:32:32.020 --> 00:32:34.600
What is man that thou art mindful of him?
406
00:32:35.310 --> 00:32:38.790
The God who created those heavens is mindful of you.
407
00:32:40.320 --> 00:32:43.940
Next time, we'll continue our journey through the most popular Psalms with Psalm
408
00:32:43.940 --> 00:32:48.930
19 in an episode that we're gonna call God Revealed Creation and Scripture.
409
00:32:49.450 --> 00:32:53.810
Psalm 8 has invited us to look at the heavens and consider the greatness of God.
410
00:32:54.300 --> 00:33:00.120
Psalm 19 takes that thought further, showing us how God reveals himself through
411
00:33:00.120 --> 00:33:03.770
the creation we can see and through the word he has given us.
412
00:33:04.450 --> 00:33:06.300
Together, we'll discover what it
413
00:33:06.300 --> 00:33:10.540
means to see God clearly through both his creation and his revealed word.
414
00:33:10.980 --> 00:33:12.820
And I hope you'll join me for that study.
415
00:33:13.440 --> 00:33:16.540
Until then, look up and remember how great God is.
416
00:33:16.940 --> 00:33:21.630
Walk humbly before him and faithfully care for what he has entrusted to you.
417
00:33:22.190 --> 00:33:27.270
Join us next time on Bible Bytes, the podcast where we work to inspire faith one byte at a time.