Sermon Direct Link
6/1/25
Rev. Clint Smith
The question of identity has been a focus for humanity since the beginning of time. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were faced with the task of understanding their own identity, as well as recognizing the distinction between their existence and God’s. From the very start, God, in His grace and glory, has revealed who He is and has shown people their purpose and reason in Creation. At the heart of God’s revelation is His love for humanity.
The psalmist, King David, declared to people of all generations that the righteous person’s priority and purpose in life is this: we exist to bring glory to God. David identified the LORD, our Lord, as exalted above all Creation. Even today, the fame of His majesty stretches above the heavens and fills the earth. Psalm 19:1–14
God ordained—and still ordains—praise, especially from little children who worship Him without shame. After cleansing the temple, Jesus quoted this truth from Psalm 8. The praise of children—even infants still being weaned—has the power to silence and shame the enemies of God. He delights in using what is weak—believing humans who trust and obey Him—to confound the strong.
Psalm 8; Matthew 21:16; 1 Corinthians 1:27
In his praise and acknowledgment of God as our Creator, David revealed the dignity that God has bestowed upon humanity. We were created in His image—not to rule over Him, but to exercise dominion over His vast and wondrous creation. From the beginning, God appointed humans to be His representatives on the Earth, granting us authority to rule over every other creature in His name. Genesis 1:24–31; Hebrews 2:1-8
Although humanity is the crown of God’s creation, we sinned and broke our relationship with Him in the very Garden where He formed us. Yet even then, David foresaw that God would send One to redeem us and restore that broken relationship. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the writer of Hebrews referenced Psalm 8 to affirm that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. Hebrews 2:9–18
Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus set us free and restored our right relationship with God the Father. His name is excellent—He is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise. Romans 3:23; 6:23; Philippians 2:5–11