Monday, May 15, 2017

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Colossians 2:8–19           

O Lord, our Sovereign,
   how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.
   Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
   to silence the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
   the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
   mortals that you care for them?

Yet you have made them a little lower than God,
   and crowned them with glory and honor.
You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
   you have put all things under their feet,
all sheep and oxen,
   and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
   whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Sovereign,
   how majestic is your name in all the earth! (NRSV)

Reflection
“What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor.”

In Psalm 8 a loving reminder is given that humanity was created with significance. Although the psalmist refers to humans as being mere mortals, the psalm continues by stating that every individual was created “a little lower than God,” adorned with “glory and honor.” At first glance, the reference to mortality leaves me feeling small and insignificant. But upon further reading, I realize that every person is given tremendous value. Throughout scripture, human value is demonstrated. Value is realized in the knowledge that every human being is created in the image of God and very much loved by God. Humankind was given a priceless treasure, the eternal soul. Every individual is a child of God, endowed with an immortal soul, making them a “little lower than God” and subsequently priceless. We are both mortal and immortal. It is the soul that gives humanity tremendous value.

We are called to remember that each one of us has great worth because we have been created in the image of God. With this thought in mind we should value others in the same way we value self. Just as individually we are valued by God, we should remember that same worth applies to our neighbors, coworkers, family, friends, those on the street, and, yes, enemies too. Everyone should be treated as a precious treasure.

Prayer
Thank you, God, for the privilege of being created in your image. You have blessed each one of us with a unique complement of traits, gifts, and talents. Please help us use our endowment in ways that bring you glory and honor, to the benefit of others. Amen.

Written by Robert Crouch, Director of Volunteer Ministry

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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