Bible Society of South Africa
Neville Turley

Gems from the Psalms – Day 7

Who am I?

Bible text(s)

Psalms 8

4what are human beings, that you think of them;

mere mortals, that you care for them?

Psalms 8:4GNBOpen in Bible reader

Psalms 8

5Yet you made them inferior only to yourself;

you crowned them with glory and honour.

6You appointed them rulers over everything you made;

you placed them over all creation:

Psalms 8:5-6GNBOpen in Bible reader

Micah 6

8No, the LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.

Have you ever, in the still of the night, looked up into the moonlit sky and marvelled at the brilliant array of stars glittering like diamonds in the velvety darkness? Comparing the beauty and vastness of God’s majestic creation to one’s self is a humbling experience. It leaves one feeling very small and insignificant indeed.

Centuries before Christ, David also looked up into the night sky and was so blown away by the experience, that he began questioning God.

He asked God, “What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” He received a divine revelation: You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour. You made him ruler over the works of your hands. You put everything under his feet. (Psalm 8:5-6)

There is a book by Gary Younge entitled, Who are we – and should it matter in the 21st century? The biblical answer to that is, “Yes, it matters very much”.

God has entrusted humankind with his entire creation. This is what distinguishes humans from all other forms of life.

He has made us guardians of his creation and we will be answerable to God for what we make of it. It is an awesome responsibility. How can individuals, with a limited circle of influence, possibly fulfil such an obligation?

Micah, the prophet, laid down a blueprint for us. What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

Praise God that we are not expected to make that walk alone. The God of justice and love, as revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ, will be with us each step of the way. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we can go forward in faith, carrying out his will to his glory.

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