August 02, 2015

Astounding Finger Works

Psalm 8

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them...?

—  Psalm 8:3-4

Nothing can draw out our “oohs” and “aahs” like dazzling displays in the sky. A sparkling vista of stars, a gold-drenched sunset, a lofty landscape of clouds—all these can summon our responses of awe.

But the immense expanse of God’s canvas can also make us wonder where we tiny human beings belong in comparison. Who are we that God would even take notice of us when it seems that so much else is bigger and grander in God’s world? How could God be concerned for people who so often disappoint him?

Wait, says the psalmist; God does notice us. God created us with as much care and attention to detail as he put into the starry skies. God created us only a little lower than the angels! We have great worth because we bear the image of our Creator. And just as clouds reflect the light of the sun, we were created to reflect the glory of God.

Even more, because he became a human being like us, Jesus Christ shows us how to perfectly reflect God’s glory (Hebrews 2:5-9). Now we are a bit lower than the angels, but Jesus, when he comes to reign over the new heavens and earth, will raise all who belong to him above the angels to be where he is (1 Corinthians 6:2-3; Hebrews 2:5-18). That’s something to “ooh” and “aah” over!

We give you thanks, Lord, for your amazing earth and heavens, and for your ­glory, which shines in all we see. May our lives today honor you, our Creator. Amen.

About the author — Thea Leunk

Thea Nyhoff Leunk has been a high school English teacher, a director of Christian education, a pastor of discipleship, and a regional coach for the Christian Reformed Church in North America. She is currently the senior pastor at Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thea has also written courses for teens and young adults on world religions, Christian faith traditions, and science and the Bible. She and her husband have three adult children.

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