Introduction

The right question can change everything, and the right answer to that question will change everything. What makes a question powerful? Who is asking it, and perhaps in another way, who it is asked of? If a normal citizen of a nation asks a question about global politics, whatever the answer, it will have little effect on the world or the life of that person. Yet, if a Prime Minister asks questions about the state of the world, the answer given to them could have a profound effect on the nation or the wider world through government policy and action. The right question can change everything, and if the right person asks it, then it can become even more powerful.

Psalm seven was a difficult one to read as it reminded us about those dark valleys in life that we will all find ourselves walking through regardless of our possessions, positions or posture in life. The difficulty will come for us all, and yet as our eyes were presented with the reality of life, they were not left squinting in the darkness because as David lamented the difficulty of false accusations and the weight it had put on his shoulders in his difficulty he showed us the beauty of a relationship with; and the privilege of an honest relationship with Yahweh. Furthermore, he modelled to us what such honesty should look like in our relationship with almighty God and then by natural outworking our relationship with one another. Psalm 7 was an honest Pslam about a difficult situation, and yet in it, David still turned to God as his prayer for justice was centred on the character of God and the work of God in the world before David finished by praising the beauty of who God is.

Psalm 7 finished with praise for God’s righteousness and justice in the world. That is to say, Psalm seven praises God because of his good character and good work in the world amid our sin and mess. Psalm 8 continues to Praise God, makes references to messianic imagery of the “Son of Man” (the one in whom the righteous find refuge 2:12), and helps us to see just how majestic God is and the great privilege that it is to know him. The Praise in Psalm 8 Centered on the question that is asked in verse 4: “What is humankind that you are mindful of them. human beings that you care for them?”

This Psalm of praise helps us to understand just who God is and who we are. In light of that, we understand the majesty of God because it contrasted against the fragility of our world and our individual life, yet, in that contrast, we are set free because our reason for existing is made clear to all who will see – to Know God, praise God, and to make him know by our lives. As John Piper puts it so beautifully: “God is most glorified in us; When we are most satisfied in him.” Why does this Psalm praise God so much and clearly? Because Yahweh and knowing him is the answer to every question we might ask. In God, we find all that we are looking for.

Think about that question that acts as the pinnacle moment of this Psalm: “What is a human being…” (CSB). The Psalmist might be asking such a question in light of the greatness of God, yet if we are honest with ourselves and the world we live in today. Everything we do as people, in some ways, seeks to answer this question in ourselves and our own context. Think of much that is strange about our age and culture, our wrestling with identity and what it means to be a person in our culture, context, and age and all of it flows out of that question and seeks to answer it badly: What is it to be human? Here is the thing: as the world loses itself searching for the answer to the most profound and powerful of questions, individuals seem to move further and further away from the correct answer and become more and more unhappy in its drifting and wondering why! As Christians, we know the honest answer to that question of What, and live it! God and who we are in him because of Jesus.

Psalm 8 is a Psalm of Praise to God that helps us to understand what it is to be genuinely human because of Jesus. Four times Psalm 8 is referenced in the New Testament:

• 1 Corinthians 5:27
• Ephesians 1:22
• Hebrews 2:6-10
• Matthew 21:16
  

Why does this matter? Because it is the person and work of Jesus Christ, we understand more of the Majesty of God, his care for humans, and what it means to be fully human in light of who God is and what he has done for us! In the person of Jesus Christ, inequality and duality, we see both the Majesty of God and the beauty of our humanity.

1. The Majesty of God (1)

From the start, this Psalm leaves no room for error around its purpose and pose! As it rings out with a declaration of truthful praise to Yahweh. The Psalmist is clear about who God is: “Lord, our Lord,” he is the one who is in control over all things -The Lord of Lords. Furthermore, he is the one who knows all over the world and in the heavens above: the name of Yahweh is majestic not just in one nation or place but across the world, and his glory/honour/distinction goes beyond the highest of the heaven (i.e. human understanding).

Notice that the exact phrase begins and ends the Psalm; this is a literary device (Inclusion) used in ancient poetry to make clear what the entirety of the Psalm is about, namely, to Praise God for the majesty of his goodness and nature, which is made known to the world in his creation and his interactions with humankind (Christ and the Cross). Thus, please think of this Psalm as a praise sandwich where everything inside helps us understand fully.

When David speaks of God’s name being Majestic, he is talking about the power of God as one who is sovereign over all things and the honour of God as one who is good with that power. Furthermore, David alludes to the Covenant between God and his people as being part of that Majesty because the Psalm begins by using the Covenant name of God (Yahweh, I will be there God and they will be my people), and his hope that the children of God will always trust him by submitting to him, the second Lord (hb Adonenu) is used to describe someone who has authority, and it is this verse that Jesus cites in Matthew 21:16

2. The Humility of God Praise and work in the world (2)

Yahweh’s name might be Majestic in all the world, yet the most exciting thing of this Psalm is that his way of making his name known looks nothing like the ways of the world. Think about how influential people like to announce themselves and the type of people they might want to speak well of The wealthy, those in powerful positions, and those who are well-known. Power delights when it is recognised by authority. Why? Because to be seen by the things we seek to be is to be recognised by what we hope to become.

Yet, what is the first imagery that recognises the strength of God in this Psalm? Is it kings? Armies? Governments? The wealthy? Religious leaders? Nations? Great cities? Universities? The leading thinkers of the day?No, it isn’t anything considered significant in the world that perceives the greatness of God in the world! The first to see the greatest of God is, ironically, a group of people that the then world would not even notice – children and infants.

It is not to the mighty and wise of the day that God gives revelation of himself but to the meek and innocent encapsulated in the imagery of children and infants. We are redirected, which calls us to see that proper recognition of God’s power and majesty are never correlated to worldly power or notions of it; instead, it is often indicative of the opposite! His ways are not our ways. God, in his infinite wisdom, opts for the pure and simple faith of children, lives untarnished by ambition, ego, or societal norms, offering genuine and unfiltered praises. God’s ways are not ours, and His choice of revelation diverges from our worldly expectations and reminds us of the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God.

By choosing the innocence of children as the lens through which His strength is first recognised, God beautifully illustrates that genuine understanding and revelation often bypass the grandiose and dwell in simplicity and purity. God will act in the world to stop those who work against him, but it will look nothing like the world’s ways! Sound familiar? Is it not the Cross? That which the enemy thought was the defeat of the Son of God would prove his ultimate victory; that which those opposed to God thought revealed his weakness, yet was at his choosing his top display of power and authority.

Hence, even here in this Psalm, it is from the praise of Children that God knows his strength and silences his emeries and all who oppose him. It might be in the unseen world that God is known, but in the grandness and audacity of creation, we also see God fully. There is nothing of God hidden in the world that he has made, and this contrast of divine revelation sets the tone for the next section.

3. The Wonder of the World and Its Maker (3-4)

In the vastness of God’s creation, it becomes abundantly clear that His craftsmanship is beyond our comprehension. Everything speaks of His handiwork, from the stars stretching across the universe to the intricate details of life on Earth. The Psalmist captures this sentiment, declaring, “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place…” (Psalm 8:3). Yet, amongst the vast cosmos, humanity holds a distinct place. Though dwarfed by celestial bodies, we are a testament to God’s intention. Our very existence raises a heart-wrenching question: amidst the magnificence of galaxies and the wonders of the universe, why would God place such value on us? We may ponder our significance, but we must remember that God has a reason for creating us, saving us, and valuing us. We are reminders of His purpose, echoing that we are treasures to Him.

4. The Dignity and Responsibility of Being Human (5-8)

Amidst the entirety of creation, humanity is a beacon of God’s unique intention and affection. Psalm 8 beautifully articulates this, “You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honour” (Psalm 8:5). This bestowed honour isn’t just symbolic; it places upon us a profound responsibility. With dominion over creation comes an entrusted duty to nurture, protect, and care, mirroring God’s heart. Our role isn’t merely exercising authority but reflecting the divine attributes of justice, mercy, and righteousness. It’s imperative to realise that God has placed a part of Himself within us, indicating our purpose. We aren’t creations of mere chance or beings devoid of meaning. God crafts us for a bond—a relationship that He desires deeply. This bond summons us to stewardship over creation and a deeper understanding and reflection of God’s character.

Conclusion: The Majesty of God’s Name (9)

Returning to the profound declaration with which the Psalm commences, we’re reminded of God’s unparalleled majesty: “LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:9). It echoes the underlying theme that in everything, from the cosmos to our very existence, God’s name reigns supreme. This Psalm isn’t just a tribute to the Creator; it’s also a reflection on our role in the grand tapestry of existence. Just as the universe declares His glory, we, too, in our capacities, are meant to amplify His praises. Every heart, every soul, every individual plays a part in this celestial chorus.

Look up at the stars. Their majestic glow sings praises of God’s creation. Yet, the Almighty, in His infinite wisdom, places our worth even above these celestial wonders. How can this be? Because of the ultimate gift He gave humanity – His son, Jesus Christ. We are the pinnacle of His creation, cherished beings made to experience His boundless love.

Think of the Genesis narrative, where amidst the vastness of creation, we were sculpted with intention and purpose. Not as mere artifacts or without significance, but as divine creations, born out of God’s love. And this love is not abstract or distant. It beckons us into a relationship, urging us to walk with Him, to know Him, and to feel His presence in every heartbeat.

This is beautifully manifested in the message of Jesus. Through Him, we find our path to God. He stands as the bridge, the mediator, the Messiah, reaffirming our worth and calling in God’s grand design. Reflect on the Psalmist’s words, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” From the innocent praises of children to the dazzling stars above, everything testifies to the majesty of God. Yet, amidst this vastness, He intimately knows and values each of us.

As the universe declares God’s glory, so are we designed to echo His praise. It’s not just about worship in singing, but worship in living: living lives that reflect His love and grace to others. We are testimonies, each one of us, bearing witness to God’s enduring love and purpose.

The Psalm points us towards the ultimate act of love, where Jesus embodies its teachings through His life and sacrifice, reminding us of our treasured place before God. With this realisation, our call to discipleship becomes clear, urging us to actively live out Christ’s teachings and beckon others towards His embracing love. In doing so, we are not merely adhering to a doctrine. Still, we are answering the highest calling—to know God and to make Him known, genuinely understanding our identity in Him and reflecting His majesty in every facet of our lives.