Psalms

Psalms 8: The majesty of our Maker

Begin in prayer

Before we look at the moon and stars through David's song, let us bow before their Maker. Ask God to humble our pride and help us see the glory of Jesus.

All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and no one can stop his hand, or ask him, What are you doing?

Daniel 4:35

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that the majestic LORD made people with honour and responsibility. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David praises the LORD whose majestic name fills the earth and whose glory is above the heavens. God establishes strength through the lips of infants to silence His enemies. Looking at the moon and stars, David wonders why their Maker cares about people. Yet God has crowned mankind with glory and honour and given them rule over His creatures. Wonder at that care brings the song back to praise of the LORD's majestic name.

As you read Psalms 8, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The majestic LORD cares for the people He made and crowns them with glory and honour.

The song begins and ends with the LORD's majesty, keeping all the honour given to people beneath His greater glory. The heavens are His handiwork, yet He cares for frail human beings. Human rule over sheep, cattle, birds and fish recalls the responsibility God gave mankind at creation. Hebrews 2 verses 6 to 9 quote this psalm and direct our eyes to Jesus. We do not yet see everything under mankind's feet, yet we see Jesus crowned with glory and honour because He suffered death. The wonder of God's care reaches its fullness in His Son becoming man to save sinners.

How does Psalm 8 show us that the majestic LORD cares for the people He made and crowns them with glory and honour?

The LORD's majesty is greater than the heavens.

The moon and stars are the work of God's fingers. Their splendour points beyond them to the One who set them in place. David's praise begins with God's name and returns to it at the end.

God gives people honour and responsibility over His creatures.

David marvels that the Maker of the stars thinks about mankind. Sheep, cattle, birds and fish are placed under human rule. That authority is a gift from God, to be exercised under Him and for His glory.

God establishes strength through the lips of little children.

The song puts infants' lips beside God's mighty heavens. The Lord uses small voices to silence His adversaries. Jesus applied these words when children praised Him in the temple and the leaders objected (Matthew 21 verse 16).

Memorise

Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8:9

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, where have I been proud instead of praising the Lord Jesus?

David looks at the heavens and asks, “what is man, that you think of him?” The Maker of the stars cares for people small enough to stand beneath them. His kindness should humble every proud heart.

We have dishonoured our Maker and misused the gifts He placed in human hands. Jesus became man and carried the sin of His people in His death on the cross. God raised Jesus, giving His people a living Lord whose glory death could not defeat. His saving obedience is complete, and His sacrifice supplies everything needed for their reconciliation to God.

Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. The glorious Son receives the humble who seek forgiveness through Him. His care gives you reason to come. Let wonder at His majesty become worship of the Savior who humbled Himself to rescue sinners.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the majestic LORD made people with honour and responsibility. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for His majesty and His care for the people He made. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him.

John 1:10

Lord of heaven and earth, Your glory is greater than the stars. Forgive our pride and our forgetfulness of Your care. Please lead us to trust the Lord Jesus for salvation. Teach us to wonder at Your care this week and give You the praise. Amen.