THE MINDFULNESS OF GOD -- Monday:
"What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?" (Psalm 8:4)
The Psalmist was moved to ask this question by his consideration of the natural creation. "When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is . . . " (verse 3). Without the aid of modern technology, the "sweet Psalmist" was struck with the immensity and orderliness of the universe. In view of this massive display of precision and beauty, how could the Lord fasten His attention upon "the son of man"–the offspring of Adam? Were the Lord to have confined His profound consideration of humanity to Adam, when he was pure and good, it might make a little more sense. But, "the son of man" – AFTER the fall?? That is certainly worthy pondering and extended meditation.
The Lord's purpose for Adam was gracious. "Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth" (Gen 1:26; Psa 8:5-8). However, that was but an introduction to the Lord being "mindful" of man. This is the Lord's chief creation. Although made "a little lower than the angels" in the beginning, God has determined men will "judge angels" (1 Cor 6:3), and, in some respects, even be "equal to the angels" (Lk 20:36). In fact, "the world to come" has not been given to angels, but to men. "For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that Thou visitest him?" (Heb 2:5-6). Why is such singular honor bestowed upon "man" or "the son of man?"
We may rest assured it is not because of any inherent worth or beauty in men. Apart from God, not a one of them is righteous (Rom 3:10). In a state of nature, man "drinks iniquity like water" (Job 15:16). The imaginations of men's heart are "evil from their youth" (Gen 8:21), and their heart is "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (Jer 17:9). Outside of Christ, all men are "as sheep going astray" (1 Pet 2:25), sinning and falling short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). Indeed, was this all we knew, it is too staggering to ponder why God is mindful of "the son of man."
However, praise the Lord, this is not all we know about the matter. God has shown us His heart concerning man, or humanity. First, man, even fallen man, bears the likeness of God. Sin has distorted it, but it still remains. After the fall of man, and even after the flood, the Lord gave a law on murder, using this reasoning. "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man" (Gen 9:6). Lest we imagine this applied only to Adam, James writes, "Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we MEN, which ARE made after the similitude of God" (James 3:9).
But there is more! God has also given the world to come into the charge of redeemed humanity. He has a lofty purpose for men, and thus is mindful of them, being thoughtful of the purpose for which He has made them. It will be of incalculable aid to us if we learn to think in the same manner.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, help me to become more expert in reasoning about Your mindfulness of man.