Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
Psalm 8 is appointed for reading at the celebration of the Circumcision and Naming of Christ. As we reflect on the words of the Psalmist we realize the enormity of God’s love for his creation. He has taken all his creation and shown care for it. He cares not only in theory but also in regard to all the different types of animals. Wild animals, livestock, birds, fish, all are important to the Lord. He knows even the roads the fish take through the water. This is part of God’s glory. He has created everything and sustains it.
Why is this Psalm especially appropriate for the occasion? Why would we use it when we remember Christ’s naming and circumcision? Verse two points us to the strength of God being expressed through the mouths of babies. Verse four refers to “a man...the son of man.” What kind of a son of man is this? Surely it is Christ. He is the one who has come down from heaven. He is the one who has a crown of glory and honor. He is the one with dominion of all creation. He is the one to whom all creation is subject.
In love for you and for me, God has placed all creation in submission to Christ, the one who will put an end to enmity and strive (verse 2). This show of God’s majesty is expressed in his care for God the Son, embodied now in the flesh of a small child.
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