“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” – Psalm 8:3-4

One of the last outings I had with my daughter Riley before Covid shut down many public buildings was to the Science Museum. During our visit we watched a Planetarium show, which did an amazing job of recreating the night sky. It highlighted the constellations and shared some of its history. They showed where you can see the other planets in our solar system in the night sky. Riley left that experience begging for a telescope for her birthday.

There is something special about sitting outside late on a summer night and looking up at the stars. The night sky is a beautiful sight and the warm weather allows us all to enjoy it more. There is a magical feeling of being connected to something much bigger than yourself, while at the same time feeling so small in the grand scope of the universe.

This psalm touches on that feeling of seeming insignificance in the face of the glory and majesty of God revealed by the night sky. God is so amazing and wonderful and powerful, it can be overwhelming. I find it interesting that Jesus’ favorite appellation for himself was “the son of man” which is in reference to several prophecies, including Psalm 8. Jesus, as God, laid aside all of that power and humbled himself in order to die for us. When we see the wonder of the stars, instead of feeling small or insignificant, we should instead be reminded how the God who made all of the stars and the entire universe came to live, die and rise again so that we could live forever with him.

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” – Psalm 8:1

God’s Blessings,

Pastor Nyck