Someone has said that the definition of worship is simply man's response to God's revelation; a dialogue, if you please. Psalm 8 is a picture of that. In this Psalm the congregation of God's people celebrates the awesome power, majesty and glory of God the creator, and only in this context do we as humans find true human dignity. We live in a society that creates all kinds of ideas of how man is fulfilled and finds his worth. But it is clear here in this Psalm that it is found in recognizing and celebrating the majesty and glory of God, the creator and redeemer.
There is a very balanced arrangement of thought and dialogue in this Psalm. (I would encourage you to read the short Psalm with this blog.) It moves from earth to heaven (v.1), and from the heavens (v.3) back to the earth (vv.4-8). Also it moves from the Lord (v.1) to the human race (v.2); and from the human race (vv.4-8) back to the Lord (v.9). The Psalm ends where it begins - with the people confessing the sovereignty of the Lord over all of life and bowing down before God whose name and nature is majestic and powerful.
We also see indicated in verse 2 that in worshipping Him in this way our teaching of children to tell of His strength silences His enemies and all who oppose Him! Also we are challenged in verses 3 and 4 not to lose our sense of awe and wonder, which comes so much easier to children.
In verses 5-8 we are reminded that to look at ourselves today in light of the vastness of the universe reminds us of our insignificance. We are tiny specks living on one of the smallest planets. And yet, it is this frail, insignificant human race that God "remembers" and "visits". We are given special status, crowned with "glory" and "honor". That should blow our minds.
We also see that the author of Hebrews takes the Greek translation of verse 5 and applies it to Jesus, the one perfect representative of the human race. In I Cor. 15:27-29 Paul takes the last words of verse 6, "...you have put all things under his feet," as we look forward to the time when everything, even death -the last enemy- will come under the rule of Christ. The glory and honor of human life comes truly into focus in Jesus. In this Psalm we see in Biblical thought where all true understanding of life begins, continues, and ends. Praise to the Lord! Hallelujah! Amen! mjm
