Reflection on Psalm 8:1-9
Beneath the crud that stains the world, Yahweh’s splendor and weightiness infuse everything with his revelation of himself. Surrounded as we are by this glory-reflecting creation, even the smallest bit of praise is sufficient to silence the enemies of God.
Yet, in the midst of creation’s grandeur, we seem small, and God’s attention feels unwarranted. But he has made us his image bearers and given us capacities that allow us to participate with him in his wonderful creation. Our God-given dominion was not given for the purpose of exploitation, but so that humanity might participate with God by ruling creation God’s way: with justice and mercy, expectations and grace, requirements and love.
Human dominion is always both/and. We bear his image in a context that is always declaring his strong, stately reputation. Therefore, kindness and respect are always warranted, for the one who would be great must be the servant of all.
