The Crowning Work of Creation
When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place, what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him? You made him little less than God and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet.
Psalm 8:3-6 (CSB)
Observation often alters our understanding of what we believe we comprehend. The Psalmist gazes at the created order and perceives the greatness of God’s work. He observes the sky, the moon, the stars, and the sun, knowing that the Creator is extraordinary. Simultaneously, the Psalmist acknowledges that the majesty of God’s creative work culminates in the creation of humanity.
SEE THE CREATED ORDER
Stop and smell the roses. This phrase is often used to convey the necessity for someone to slow down in life and appreciate the creation around them. Yet, this saying carries genuine truth that the Psalmist recognizes. When we observe the created order, we see the majesty of God. We come to a realization of God’s greatness and thus begin to understand our own worth and value as God’s creation.
SEE HUMANITY AS THE CROWNING WORK
As God's creation, we are not merely a part of it; humanity is the crowning work of creation. We are made differently because we are formed in the image of God. We are set apart because we have received the breath of life. The Creator has separated us from the rest of creation and has called us to rule and have dominion over all of it. Thus, we serve as God’s crowning achievement in creation.
SEE THE DIFFERENCE OF THE CROWNING WORK
The call to serve as God’s representative and hold dominion over all creation is part of the unique nature of humanity. We are distinct from the rest of creation because of God’s call and His breath. We are different because we possess a significant divine purpose. As the pinnacle of creation, we must also acknowledge that God’s love for us, which led Him to send His Son, is rooted in the truth of our status as the apex of creation.
QUESTIONS
Why is it important that we spend time looking at creation to fully understand and appreciate our place as the crown of God’s creation?
How can we allow circumstances in this world blind us from living out the truth and expectation as God’s crown of creation?
