O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, 7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Christmas Lights | December 2019 | Seattle, WA
We were on a road trip to Colorado. We had turned north to connect with Interstate 25, and our son who had been driving decided he wanted a break. He pulled off the road onto the shoulder and got out. “Everyone out of the car!” He was emphatic. No argument. We wondered what was up. “Look up! Isn’t it amazing?!” It was amazing. The display of the starry hosts was absolutely stunning. It wasn’t so much like seeing the Milky Way Galaxy. But there were so many stars. The cold night air without the interference of light pollution yielded an unrivaled view of the heavens.
Psalm 19 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 8 says,
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
When is the last time you’ve marveled at the expanse of the heavens? And when you do, is it the same for you? Do you marvel at the fact that God is mindful of man? Does it touch your heart to know that in the vastness of the universe, God has a heart for you? Does it give you pause to remember that Jesus said,
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. – Matthew 10:29-31
This psalm is about the excellence of God’s name. It is connected with our relative insignificance in the face of the glorious heavenly display of stars, planets, and moon. God is greater than the glory of the heavens. He is also compassionate and caring of women and men. He is truly glorious. Grand. Splendid. Majestic.
We are watching The Star of BethlehemDVD with our family tonight. It’s about the study of the night skies around the time of Jesus’ birth. Rick Larson has done extensive research on the astronomical realities of the star seen by the wise men. This is yet another facet of the majesty of God – wishing all to know of his Son’s birth. Getting the attention of people from far away, and bringing them to worship the newborn king. They worship him because he is glorious. We believe in him because we know he is also gracious and good. Like no one else.
O LORD, our LORD, how excellent is your name in all the earth! All creation sings his praise. Can we even possibly not join the song?
David Bahn - Reflections 