July 10, 2010 A Little Lower Than God

A big difference, you'll notice, between godly people and the ungodly, is the people of God honor people; the ungodly do not.  Although people who don't fear God will idolize others, they'll just as soon tear them down with ridicule.  God's people will honor others, whether they deserve it or not, even after they're dead.  A key reason for this is that people were made by God in His image, and are His property.  If we dishonor others, we dishonor God.

Psalm 8 is one of the most "incredibly" edifying Scripture passages I know.  It really does seem incredible to us to think that God would think of us at all, much less visit us, speak to us, and crown us with honor and glory.  It is so difficult for fallen humans to accept that He made us "a little lower than God," that the word elohim is often translated here as "angels," even though it's the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 1:1-- God created the heavens and the earth.  Yes, we had fallen below the angels, but Jesus Christ has been raised up above all, and we are part of His body, even if we are only His feet.

God has always given honor to even the lowliest of positions in service to Him.  I hadn't really taken notice of this verse before:  "Mattithiah of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the trusted office over the things that were baked in the pans." 1 Chronicles 9:31 NKJV  Whatever we do, God sees and rewards faithfulness when we're doing it as unto the Lord.  Giving others appreciation and affirmation is a way of thanking and praising the Lord.  When we consider that each of His children are part of His body, it is easier to honor and affirm them. 

Even the ungodly carry the image of God in them, no matter how sullied and twisted, and they might still become part of God's kingdom.  It is extremely unbecoming of God's people to put others down in a disgusted fashion, but I see this happening so much in the name of "righteousness."  How are we ever to win the lost to Christ if we do not treat people with respect, even if they are sinners?  Hating sin is not the same as despising people.  God so loved the world. . .

The Apostle Paul was a faithful watcher, even on a tempest-tossed ship.  He apparently interceded for everyone, not only to save his own skin.  He was visited by an angel to bring the answer to his request-- everyone's life would be spared.  There were sailors, soldiers, prisoners, a Roman centurion-- 276 people in all.  Many of these must have given their lives to the Lord after that. To me, now, this number will always signify that God values life, even the life of unbelievers. 

It is up to us, His people, to watch and pray.  The world system is a sinking ship: but God already has a plan in place to save as many souls as will cling to His saving grace.