Greetings in Christ,
When David wrote in Psalm 8, “What is man that Thou dost take thought of him? And the son of man, that Thou dost take care of him?” it makes a statement for mankind. It first gives question about God in His approach to mankind. Now this is taking into consideration mankind has not made the best decisions in life regarding serving God. David is reflecting upon all the things God has done and continues to do for mankind. It serves as a question as well as reflection as to why God continues to be willing to intercede for mankind.
The stories in the Bible reflect a sequence of events which occur in the cycle of mankind. They serve God, they become comfortable and complacent, they sin against God, they suffer due to their bad choices, they lament and cry out to God for repentance, and they serve God again. It is the reoccurring theme throughout the Bible which brings David to his question in the Psalm. Why do you really care about mankind?
David fits all the qualifiers to ask this question. He has certainly had a life filled with many adventures and things which could make his stomach turn, but he never wanted to stray from God in his life. David had certainly every reason to question why God continued to work with him and the people of Israel. You could probably say David was getting weary from the strain of living for God and living through battles only to go through more down the road.
David certainly had the right to question God and His actions towards mankind. It goes against the reality of life which mankind seems to hold onto in their pursuit of life. Mankind would rather leave behind their fellow brother/sister than to save him/her. It is not the way for mankind to serve each other. It is the dog eats dog mentality which most people’s attitude to get ahead in life. So why does God still get concerned about mankind? It simply comes down to the one thing; many are still willing to serve God.
David, Joshua, Paul, and Jesus are the examples we are given of those who were willing to give their lives to serve God. Davis is known to be a servant after God’s own heart. He inquired of God before he made any decision, and he chose to make the choice God wanted him to do. Joshua was strong and courageous. He chose to not let anything stand between him and God. He went as far as to stand before the tribes of Israel and make the statement, “but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Paul stood tall despite all the hardship he endured and chose the hard road rather than to have it easy so his witness would be that much stronger as he taught about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus stood up against the so-called authorities to reclaim the truth which had been hidden from others about the one true God and gave His life on the cross in the process.
The memory of Adam and Eve walking across the garden to meet God is still fresh in His mind. He has always enjoyed being with those He has created in His image. He will never give up on those who are willing to serve Him. God has even admitted He is selfish wanting mankind to recognize what He has done for them, but more important sharing what He has done for us with others.
Why does God care about mankind? He loves us more than we ever really know.
“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty! You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas.” Psalm 8:3-8
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face—even Jacob.” Psalm 24:1-6
Lord may we be willing serve You in all we do. May we follow those examples which have gone before us as we live our lives for You. Amen
Blessings,