Psalm 8

“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?” vss. 3-4

The psalmist hadn’t needed images from the James Webb Space Telescope to figure out that this universe is awe-inspiring and more magnificent than we can even imagine. He’d come to that conclusion using his own eyes in those days when light pollution was non-existent and nights were spectacular. And what brought him to his knees was the sense that everything in all creation was exactly what human beings needed to flourish. How he knew that we don’t know, but he was exactly right. The earth’s environment is precisely calibrated to ensure our survival and prosperity. It could not be any better, and it is a pure gift! Sadly, the psalmist’s worldview has fallen out of fashion, and many have begun to operate with a sense of entitlement coupled with minimal gratitude or responsibility. Such persons have little regard for the welfare of our cohabitants or to future generations. We can only pray that the Immortal, Invisible, Only-Wise God, who brought all things into existence, has made provision for our foolishness. In the meantime, perhaps we still have time to reorder our priorities, and live as grateful servants. We can only hope!

Thought for the Day: What kind of life will my great-grandchildren have?