What Is Man?
Psalm 8:3-5
Introduction.
Philosophers have considered the human condition for millennia.
Diogenes in the 5th Century B.C. was searching for a man (ἄνθρωπος) with a lamp in broad daylight – implying a virtuous person.
Ezekiel did something similar, looking for one to stand in the gap (Eze. 22:30).
David asked the question, “What is man?” in Psalm 8.
The Italian humanist, Pico Della Mirandola of the 15th Century, also considered Psalm 8.
He was interested in contemplating man himself.
After looking at classical literature, Mirandola came to Psalm 8, and wrote on that.
He thought that man was intermediary between the heavenly and earthly.
He thought man was God’s crowning achievement in creation.
Man could appreciate God’s creation, as he is made in God’s image.
Man has the ability to descend and behave like animals or ascend, exhibiting behavior closer to that of the God who made him.
Body.
A Little Lower Than the Angels (8:4).
In Gen. 1, we can see that mankind is God’s crowning creation (very good).
But we are created a little lower than the angels.
Oldest person: in modern times, Jeanne Louise Calment (122 y.o., d. 1997); recorded in the Bible, Methuselah (969 y.o., d. 2370 b.c.).
Tallest person: in modern times, Robert Wadlow (8’11”, 1940); recorded in the Bible, Goliath (9’9”, ~1065 b.c.).
Fastest person: in modern times, Usain Bolt (100 m in 9.58 sec – 23.4 mph; 2009); recorded in the Bible, Asahel (?, ~1050 b.c.).
Even given our “superlatives,” we are all lower than the angels.
How much greater is God compared to us? (Psa. 144:3-8).
We can also consider God’s speech to Job (Job 38-41).
If that’s the case with physical feats, what about spiritual ones?
They are harder to quantify today.
The Bible indicates the wisest man (Solomon), and the most righteous (Jesus).
Trying to determine such things today is not something that can be quantified.
We can certainly look at those who are among the most depraved.
Murderers, rapists, pedophiles – on the news.
We know such people are lost, but even our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isa. 64:6).
Jesus had to humble Himself to become one of us (Phil. 2:8).
We have the choice to decide whether we will be the best of humanity or the worst—even the best is nothing compared to God.
Crowned With Glory and Honor (8:5).
Despite our deficiencies, we hold a special place in the heart of God.
We are the pinnacle of His Creation.
We have been crowned with glory and honor (Psa. 8:5).
We have been given dominion over the Creation (Psa. 8:6).
God created the sun, moon, and stars, yet He still cares for us (Job 38:31-33).
We are always on His mind, just like a child is always on a loving parent’s mind.
He gives us all our spiritual blessings in Christ, along with the material.
One way He keeps us in mind is through chastening (Heb. 12:6; Prov. 3:12).
Just like a child, we often are in rebellion against Him.
Despite this, He sent His Son to die for us! (Rom. 5:8).
Jesus came to die for us, but He also lived the model life for us (1 Cor. 11:1; 1 Pet. 2:21ff).
He modeled when to show anger (Matt. 21:12-13).
He showed immense humility and tenderness (John 8:3-12).
Instead of condemning those who have fallen by the wayside, we should be like Jesus, and help them up.
He showed immense love and forgiveness, even toward those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34) – He modeled suffering.
We all ought to aspire to His greatness!
Conclusion.
Christ wants us to live to our fullest potential.
He showed us how, impressing upon us the image of God.
Let us be obedient to the example He has left us, remembering that God is the author of salvation to all who obey (Heb. 5:9).
Man’s all is summed up by Solomon in Eccl. 12:13.
These philosophers have their ideas.
God’s idea, however, is to fear and obey Him.
That is what life is about!
Will you obey Him today?