A trip to the zoo with my wife's 90 year-old father and four of our grandchildren reminded me of Psalms 8 and 9. Psalm 9 is a triumphal victory march by David where, rather than boasting, he breaks forth into praise celebrating both the actions of the Lord and His Person. I was reminded of this first verse, "I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you. I will sing praise to your name. . . " As we walked thru the zoo yesterday looking at all the wildlife, I was reminded through the awe of grandchildren and the knowledge of my father-in-law who has a master's degree in animal husbandry, just how intricate, amazing, creative (with an incredible imagination) our God is. His creation of all of these wonderful birds, animals, sea life, etc., just shows the awe and wonder of the Father.
Then in Psalm 8 we are reminded that man is even more special in God's creative plan. He has revealed beauty and awe in the creatures of the earth, but has chosen to reveal and reflect God's glory through His crowning creation: man. Even though we can feel dwarfed by the vastness of His creation, He chose us to be made in His image. We are a reflection of His image and His glory. We have meaning, purpose, and significance in Him. My 90 year-old father-in-law's testimony over and over to us is how he can look back over his long life and see how God's hand directed him time after time. And then I look at my four grandchildren and know that God has the same kind of plan and direction for their lives - as they are significant in His kingdom. God's Word assures us of this.
When we step back and see these things, awe and wonder should result in continual worship of our Father in heaven who is worthy of our worship. mjm
