WHO am I?

WHO am I?

Psalms 8:3-4 AMP

[3] When I see and consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have established, [4] What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him?

Depending on the version you read, at the top of the chapter from where the verses above is taken, there is this interesting entry: 'set to a Philistine lute, or perhaps to a particular Hittite tune'. There is no other definition given for the 'Philistine lute, except the fact that it is also mentioned at the top of Psalms 81 and 84, written by Asaph and the sons of Korah respectively. What could have been quite special about the lute, a musical instrument or a tune, that it warranted being mentioned in the Bible? Its origin most likely was not Jewish or Hebraic, yet it formed part of the records of some of the most amazing songs of the greatest earthly king Israel had. As the song in the verses under review today points out, as well as the supporting instruments that have been noted as part of the story, what is that situation that appears to be beyond the power and reach of God to change or correct? 

The verses above first look at the wonders of God's creation. Reflect on all you have read about creation, and how every part you see was supernaturally fitted into the fabric of creation. From the light of the first day to the land animals of the early part of the sixth day, we see God laying down the support system that man would need to be effective in his work on earth. The moon and the stars were part of the account of the fourth day, as God laid out times and seasons, days and years. We see the accounts of other days, as God laid down the beauty of the earth as each day showed off God's glory in all its fullness. All of the above point to the fact that man was not created until all the required provisions for the realisation and achievement of his divine purpose were all in place. Man was not one of those things you call 'unplanned for'; in fact, all that God was doing was laying down the foundation for the manifestation of man.

It is not a wonder, then, that the psalmist, after considering all that his eyes had seen and his ears had heard, had to ask the question: 'What is man?' As it was then, so is it now. No man has been able to answer that question, without resorting to the original template of how man was made. The created is not the best option to determine the value of itself; it is the Creator whose view must be sought, if I will know my true value. Check out the amazing care God lavishes on animals and plants, and how He ensures that the sun and moon rise and set unfailingly every day. If these created things with expiry dates can be cared for this way by God, how much more would God take care of His creation that has been made in His image, in His likeness, and made to live forever. I take the position of deep appreciation for all I have received from God, and ask for grace that my whole life will be an offering He will accept and use for His glory. Do you know who you are? God's time of favour is here.