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Christ, The True Man — 10/8/2024 10:00 AM
Today's speaker is Sam Allberry, Associate Pastor at Immanuel Nashville, Nashville, TN. Speaking from Psalm 8 and Hebrews 2:6-9. Pastor Allberry teaches about the dignity of mankind in God's creation, and the future reign of the perfect man, Jesus Christ.
Notes
What is Man That You Are Mindful of Him?
In Psalm 8, David asks one of the most profound questions in Scripture: "What is man that you are mindful of him?" (Psalm 8:4). This question leads us on a journey of discovering who we are in light of God’s majesty. When we look up at the stars and when we consider the works of God’s hands, we are struck by our smallness. And yet, God is mindful of us.
Humble Man: Finding Our Identity in God
Psalm 8 starts by grounding us in the majesty of God: "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" (Psalm 8:1). Before we can understand who we are, we must first look up to God. His majesty, power, and glory surpass anything in this physical world. Even out of the mouths of infants, God reveals His strength, showing that true glory does not come from human achievement but from the power of God through weakness. David’s reflection in nature gives him a profound sense of humility. He doesn’t question whether we matter, but why we matter. Why does the God of the universe think about us? Why are we on His mind? The answer lies in God’s deep love and care for us. True humanity is humble humanity. We are most healthy and grounded when we recognize our dependence on God.
Dignified Man: Crowned with Glory and Honor
Yet, despite our smallness, God has crowned us with glory and honor. Psalm 8:5 tells us that God made us "a little lower than the heavenly beings.” We are not just part of creation; we are His image-bearers, created to reflect God’s character and majesty in a unique way. This brings both dignity and responsibility. As stewards of God’s creation, we are entrusted with the care of Earth and its creatures. Every person we meet bears the image of God, which calls us to treat others with respect and honor. Our responsibility to care for creation reflects our role as God’s representatives on Earth.
Reigning Man: Our Destiny in Christ
However, as much as Psalm 8 paints a picture of our dignity and calling, it also acknowledges that we fall short. We don’t have everything under our control. We fail in our stewardship and fall short of our responsibility. But the psalm points to someone greater: Jesus. Hebrews 2 reveals that Psalm 8 is ultimately about Him. He is the one who perfectly reigns. Jesus, the perfect man, fulfills the vision of reigning humanity. He is not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters (Hebrews 2:11), and through Him, our destiny is secure. As we follow Christ, we are invited to share in His reign in the age to come.
Action Steps:
- Reflect on God's Majesty — Take time this week to marvel at God’s creation. Let it remind you of your smallness and God’s greatness.
- Embrace Humility — Acknowledge your dependence on God. True strength comes from recognizing our need for Him.
- Honor Others — Remember that every person is made in the image of God. Treat others with dignity and respect.
- Trust in Christ’s Reign — When life feels out of control, look to Jesus, the one who reigns perfectly. Rest in His sovereignty and grace.
Psalm 8 reminds us that while we are small, we are also crowned with dignity, and in Christ, our future is secure.