When we consider the moon and the stars (their immensity and power, their age and endurance, and their light and beauty), we human beings are rightly humbled, seeing ourselves as mere dust in comparison. And yet, wonder of wonders, God has bestowed a unique love upon us of all his creation. He has made us in his image, and has crowned us with glory and honor, that we might rule over and care for the earth and everything on it (Psalm 8).
O Lord, Psalm 8 overflows with wonder and worship. Considering the grandeur of the galaxies led King David not only to exuberant praise, but also to humble reflection: out of everything you made, why do you love us so much? Considering the power of the coronavirus should also humble us, O Lord, as in its own way, it reminds us that we are dust. In a matter of mere months, this novel disease has brought the whole world to its knees. What we have always took for granted, we now see is not a guarantee.
Lord, grant that this novel humility might not lead us to despair in our powerlessness, but that it might lead us all the more to worship you. As we consider that we are dust, allow us to marvel afresh at your love for us, to wonder at your care and provision, and to be amazed again by your grace. For truly, you, Lord Jesus, the glorious king of all the universe, left your heavenly throne to come and die for us, the dust of the earth. “Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?” Let wonder and worship well up in our hearts, O Lord, that we might enjoy your love and praise your name forever! Amen.
