What is Humanity?
Psalm 8 et al
I. That Question Demands an Answer for Every Human Being (Choice and Rootedness)
A. Quest for Identity “Who am I?”
B. Quest for Purpose “Why am I here?”
C. Quest for Relationship “What group is like me?”
Being bodies that learn language
thereby becoming wordlings
humans are
the symbol-making, symbol-using, symbol-misusing animal
inventor of the negative
separated from our natural condition
by instruments of our own making
guard by the spirit of hierarchy
acquiring foreknowledge of death
and rotten with perfection
- Kenneth Burke, Coe 332-333 (Life is Drama)
II. King David’s Response to the Question (Psalm 
(How can God, whose glory is set above the heavens, whose fingers establish the moon and the stars in their place, be mindful of humanity?) – vv. 1,9 (Frame of Psalm
Ex: Our galaxy alone is spread over a 100,000 light year expanse and estimated to be one among millions in the universe. David’s eyes saw only .001 percent of the 100 billion stars in our Milky Way.
We are confronted with two thoughts: Incomprehensible greatness of our Creator and our own very small and inconsequential stature in the universe.
A. God has dignified humanity by placing the divine image in them, vv.4,5
(We have royal status as God’s vice-regents)
“Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them, and make them a little less than the heavenly beings (God)? You grant mankind honor and majesty; – see Genesis 1:26-30
B. God has appointed us to be accountable for His Creation, vv. 6-8
(We have responsibility as God’s vice-regents)
“you appoint them to rule over your creation, you have placed everything under their authority, including all the sheep and cattle, as well as the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea and everything that moves through the currents of the seas.
III. So How Do We Live Out Our Identity, Purpose, and Relationships?
A. Seek a Higher Vision: Start with Jesus as Your Model, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-9
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word.-vv.1-3
Christ alone reveals God to us in human flesh. Christ alone is the archetype from which humanity is patterned.
B. Rest and Learn the Heart of God and His ways through Jesus, John 14:8-11; Matthew 11:27-29
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
C. Allow the Holy Spirit to Guide You in Your Daily Activities, Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15; Proverbs 8
The Way Christian Fellowship, Trinity Sunday, May 30, 2010. Dr. Tony Baron, teaching pastor. If you desire to meet with Fr. Tony (tbaron@dtwc.com) or Dc. Kirsten Gardner (mgardner600@roadrunner.com) about your walk with the Lord or becoming part of this church, please let us know. Check out our website, www.findtheway.org.