Hindsight is 2020a
Psalm 8
It is a relief for some of us that the first half of 2020 has finally ended, as this year has been brutal for the entire world. Although many of us might feel discouraged, God is reminding us to place our confidence in the only thing that never disappoints: the gospel of Jesus Christ.
To unpack this, we will focus on one of the most important psalms in the Bible (Psalm 8). It is important because it is full of ideas that directly relate to Jesus Christ and his gospel. We will focus on three main ideas in this short psalm.
First, the majesty and glory of God. The psalm begins and ends by expressing how big and powerful God is (Psalm 8.1, 9), partly because he is the creator of everything (Psalm 8.3, 6). This should provide tremendous reassurance for us especially during these uncertain times. I had a conversation this past week with someone who is in his sixties and he cannot recall any point in his own life where the world felt more tenuous and vulnerable. Indeed, many are experiencing the fragility of life—whether at a global or personal level. But we can take heart that our God is nonetheless in control and is powerful. Although we cannot make sense of our situation, God is worthy of our trust.
Second, God is not only majestic and glorious, but he is incredibly relational toward humans. He seeks glory not from lofty or grandiose things, but from babies and infants (Psalm 8.2). In fact, the psalmist (David) marvels at how God is so mindful of humanity (Psalm 8.4). We later learn that God has placed humanity in a very privileged role within his creation: humans are slightly below the heavenly beings but have dominion over the rest of God's creation (Psalm 8.5-6). This should once again provide us with much comfort. God is not only powerful and glorious, but he has given us a privileged place within all of his creation. More importantly, he is intimate with us. He knows us. He understands our struggles, anxieties, and difficulties. And he is constantly making himself known to us, even right now.
Third is that this psalm is not really about us. Yes, this psalm should provide us with incredible reassurance and comfort. But ultimately, we failed in responding to God's intimacy and love toward us or submitting to his majesty and glory. Hence, our world has been suffering the consequences of our failure, which the Bible calls sin. This psalm, however, is quoted and explained later in the New Testament (the letter to the Hebrews). In Hebrews, it makes it clear that Psalm 8 is ultimately about Jesus Christ. He was made lower than the heavenly beings for a little bit so that he could suffer and die for our sins. Where we failed to rule the world in a godly way, Jesus will rule with fairness, love, and justice. And for those who now believe that Jesus has done this for us, we can now share in Jesus's glory, righteousness, and love.
This sermon is therefore a call to those who might feel discouraged or disconnected from God or from life in general. Do not place your confidence in yourself or in your circumstances. You and your circumstances will always fail you. Instead, place your confidence in what Jesus Christ has done on your behalf. Embrace and submit to the gospel of Jesus Christ!
