Psalm 8: The Doxology of Dominion

Back to Message Archive

This week the theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author Stephen Hawking died. In an interview a few years ago Hawking said this:

"There is probably no heaven and no afterlife. We have this one life to appreciate the grand design of the universe, and for that, I am extremely grateful."

Hawking spent his life looking at the skies, but his final conclusion was that after this life there is nothing else. We can enjoy the grand design of the universe while we live, but in the end we cease to exist.

When we come to Psalm 8, as David looks at the skies he has a very different conclusion. David’s response is one of worship and wonder. David is amazed by God’s creation and by God’s relationship to man, and David’s amazement leads to worship.

 

READING THE SCRIPTURES TOGETHER 

Day One: Psalm 8 - Take time to read the Psalm that we considered on Sunday. The notes from the message are attached to the email. Spend time praising God for who He is and how He has revealed Himself to us. Consider how incredible it is that the God of all creation has shown such kindness and favor to us.

Day Two: 1 Corinthians 1 - In Psalm 8:2, as David praises God for His majesty, he includes this reference to how God can use the praise (strength) of babies or infants to defeat His enemies. This is a reminder of the power of God and that He often uses the weak to accomplish great things (so that He will receive the glory). This is a primary theme of 1 Corinthians 1 and a reminder of how God can use us to accomplish His plan.

Day Three: Genesis 2 - A primary theme of Psalm 8 is the place that God has given us in creation. God created us in a different way than any other part of creation and He has set us apart to be stewards over the rest of creation. As you read Genesis 2 consider the intimate way in which God created us and the way in which He cares for mankind. This kind of love and care from the creator God should lead us to worship and to a desire to live for Him.

Day Four: Hebrews 2 - Often the New Testament writers will quote from the Old Testament and help us see fuller meanings of the OT text. The writer of Hebrews 2 helps us see how Jesus will one day have perfect rule and dominion over creation. God has given this stewardship to mankind, but because of sin we have not been able to fully carry out our calling. But one day Jesus will come, put an end to the curse of sin and put all things in subjection under His feet.

Day Five: Psalm 22 - Read Psalm 22 in preparation for our service on Sunday. As you read ask yourself these questions: What does this teach us about God? What does this teach us about ourselves?