What kind of God is the God of the Bible? Is he petty and weak? Is he unmoved by our suffering or indifferent about our sorrows? Is he chaotic or uncertain or cruel? How would you answer the question, “What kind of God is the God you serve?” Where would you begin? We could share our favorite stories from the Scriptures where God’s character was shown. One foundational pillar of the Christian faith is that we acknowledge and proclaim God’s role as Creator.
When was the last time that you thought about God’s work of creation? If you’ve ever had a project that you’ve had to work on whether it be at the house, or your car, or an art piece, or anything in your garden then you know that the project when finished reveals something about the person who did it. If that’s the case for us here today, what do we learn about God when we consider His creation?
Although Genesis one and two are helpful lights, Psalm eight is also a useful guide to meditate on God as Creator. Psalm eight was written by the prophet-king, David. The psalm is meant to lead its listeners to marvel at the wisdom and power of the God who creates. This abiding theme of God’s glory and majesty unceasingly reverberates throughout both the psalm as well as every inch of creation. The reverberations of this act are like that of a cave or a church; its echoes persist, even beyond the moment when that sound first came.
The reverberations of God’s glory continue unceasingly throughout all of creation. He actively makes this apparent to every person whether they acknowledge Him or are indifferent with Him. God reveals this through His messenger the Apostle Paul, “what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:19-20 ESV)
This is of upmost importance for us to think over today because one of the most fundamental ideas of the Christian faith is that God is Creator of all things. Whether the moon in its multi-colored brilliance, or the many shades of green which all seem to swell as we watch the tree limbs dance in the wind, all of it comes together to display God’s glory. This strikes entirely against the modern unbelieving worldview which seeks to divide the Creator from His creation. But this is not possible for a Christian. We begin where existence began, not with ourselves, but with the God who creates.
Notice that Psalm eight speaks of God’s glory being set in the heavens – even beyond them! God sets His glory even beyond our own limits. With such a psalm showcasing His dynamic power and presence, we would expect even further discussion of His might but the psalm goes another direction, “Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and avenger” (Psalm 8:2 ESV). This is rather surprising. An infant is not the ideal candidate to display strength or power. In fact, it is the furthest thing from such an image. An infant is a great symbol for weakness. An infant cannot walk, or eat anything on their own, or do anything but cry out seeking help from another. So why does God utilize this surprising image in the display of His cosmic glory?
The answer is plain: God is not dependent upon His creatures for anything. In other words, God does not need you. He does not bear our insecurities. He is not concerned about being forgotten. God is content in Himself. God likewise does not need you to be strong for Him. Notice that the blind, and the lame, and little children are the appropriate vessels to showcase the glory and power of God all throughout the Gospels (see especially Matthew 21:14-16)
Why is this the case? The forgotten, the overlooked, the weak and limited are more often willing to admit what the proud and arrogant and so-called “well-to-do” cannot. These characters in Scripture are able to admit that they really have nothing apart from God. Without God, they are hopeless. Old Testament scholar Allen P. Ross puts it well, “God has chosen to use the weak things to confound the mighty. He does not need to use powerful people or eloquent speakers to silence the adversaries; rather, a simple cry for help will be heard by God and will overcome the world.” This is the wisdom and might of our God.
So, are you weak today? Are you feeling insufficient in some way whether it be in terms of strength, or intelligence, or status, or financially, or some other avenue? Then call out to God. The God of Scripture is One who cares for mankind, even though they are but dust and ashes. The God of Scripture is kind and gracious to all by His common grace, but it is to those who repent and believe in Christ Jesus who are the recipients of His special grace. This special grace makes us a new creation in Jesus Christ so that we are forgiven of our sins and born again to an everlasting hope that is not subject to the whims of others. The God who creates a new work in us preserves us to the end for we are His workmanship created for good works.