Little Big Man ∙∙

Little Big Man ∙∙

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers – the moon and the stars you set in place – what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? – Psalms 8:3-4

Psalms 89:1-12

1 I will sing of the LORD’s lovingkindness forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.
2 Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.

5 All heaven will praise your great wonders, LORD; myriads of angels will praise you for your faithfulness.
6 For who in all of heaven can compare with the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD
7 The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. He is far more awesome than all who surround his throne.
8 O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O LORD? You are entirely faithful.

11 The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours – you created it all.
12 You created north and south.

Unveiling the Vast Unknown

How big is the universe? The simple yet profound answer is that no one truly knows. The observable universe stretches an estimated 93 billion light-years in diameter, a scale that is both mind-boggling and awe-inspiring. Yet, this observable portion might be just a sliver of a far larger cosmic expanse, or perhaps it is part of a boundless multiverse.

The universe encompasses all of space, time, and matter as we understand it today. However, since our measurements are limited to what we can observe, the full size of the universe remains an enigma. The observable universe, determined by the distance light has traveled since the assumed Big Bang, is like a bubble centered around us, but beyond it lies an uncharted and immeasurable frontier.

The Expanding Mystery

The universe’s size isn’t its only marvel; it is also relentlessly expanding. This expansion, described by scientists as accelerating, defies theoretical models. There is a discrepancy between the model and the data. It has become known as “the Hubble tension.” Recent science news highlights this enigmatic phenomenon. According to Dan Scolnic, a physicist at Duke University (Science News, January 17, 2025), “The tension now turns into a crisis.” Scolnic adds, “This is saying, to some respect, that our model of cosmology might be broken.”

A Journey of Understanding

Humanity’s understanding of the universe has come a long way. Early models claimed Earth was at its center (geocentrism), a view that reflected an ancient, limited perspective. The heliocentric model, proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus, placed the Sun at the center of the Solar System, rather than the Earth. Over time, scientists realized the Sun itself is only one of billions of stars in the Milky Way Galaxy, which in turn is surrounded by hundreds of billions of galaxies across the observable universe.

This progression in understanding highlights not only the vastness of space but also the humility these discoveries inspire. Ralph Waldo Emerson captured this wonder when he said that if the stars appeared only once in a century, humanity would stay awake all night in awe of their glory.

The Awe of Creation

Even as scientific understanding grows, the universe remains a testament to something greater. Three thousand years ago, King David looked at the immensity of the night sky and marveled at its beauty. Yet, in his reflections, he realized the cosmos was “finger work” for the Father. In other words, it took no effort but rather a delicate design.

Sculptors and painters use their fingers to do delicate and sensitive work. On the other hand, the stonemasons and builders of the colossal pyramids employed arduous, grueling, strenuous effort to create their massive achievements.

The immensity of the universe is meant to draw our attention to the Creator, not merely the creation. What seems vast and incomprehensible to us is small and delicate in the hands of the One who made it.

Humanity’s Place in the Vastness

The splendor and size of the universe often make people feel insignificant. That which is immense and perhaps immeasurable is small and insignificant compared to the One who made it. In 3000 years, our understanding of and appreciation for the vastness of our created universe has expanded remarkably. The planet Earth and people now seem even more inconsequential than ever.

King David pondered this very thought when he asked, “What is man, that You are mindful of him?” Mere mortal human beings are tiny, puny, seemingly insignificant specs. Why would the Father bother with us at all? Why does He invest His interest in and care for us?

The stars, planets, and galaxies are truly breathtaking. However, the Father’s greatest concern is not the vastness of His non-sentient creation. Although we are small, transient beings in a universe of unimaginable scale, the Father’s laser-focused care and love are directed solely at us.

REFLECT & PRAY

Psalms 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays His handiwork.”

Father, pausing to gaze upon Your creation fills my heart with awe. The beauty of the heavens whispers of Your majesty, and the vastness of the skies speaks of Your intelligent design and superlative craftsmanship. Thank You for loving me so deeply and for caring for me so faithfully.

INSIGHT

Revealing the Father’s Heart

The Lord God Almighty has revealed Himself to us as a compassionate and loving Father. His care for humanity is not distant or impersonal; it is fueled by deep, fatherly compassion. This truth reminds us that the living God’s love for His creation is both intentional and tender, drawing us into a relationship defined by His unwavering concern.

A Profound Truth

Renowned theologian Karl Barth, when asked in 1962 to summarize the essence of his theological works, gave a profound yet simple response, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” This explicit declaration of faith reflects the heart of the gospel—that we are unfathomably loved, not because of our worthiness, but because of His graciousness.

Small in Creation, but Big to the Father

The vastness of creation often humbles people, making them feel small and seemingly insignificant. Yet, in the eyes of the Father, I am significant and cherished. I might appear tiny in the grand cosmos, but to Him, I am big. Indeed, in his sight, I am a “Little Big Man” uniquely created and deeply valued. The Father, who needed nothing, yet, because of His great love, chose to create us. Crafted from the dust of the earth, we were placed in a magnificent and wonderful world designed for us.

David’s awe-filled question demonstrates both humility and reverence in Psalms 8:3-4: “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place. What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”

By asking, “What is man?” and not “Who is man?” David acknowledges humanity’s seeming insignificance when compared to the infinite glory of the Creator’s handiwork. The connotation here is one of derision: What are these insignificant human beings? If the psalm ended at this point, it would suggest that, in view of God’s infinite glory, the only response from this world towards finite human beings is one of scornful wonder (Rolf and Tanner).

Our Elevated Status

But the psalm does not end there. What begins as a question that might suggest humanity’s insignificance unfolds into a revelation of breathtaking truth. Rather than being a mere blip in the vast expanse of creation, we are given a position of honor. The psalm redirects us to the awe-inspiring reality of our worth. Despite the immensity of the universe and the majesty of the heavens, the King of the Universe has made humanity just a little lower than the heavenly beings.

This stands in stark contrast to modern science, which often sees humanity as merely a little higher than animals. From the Creator’s perspective, however, we are exalted. The psalmist confirms this truth—we are crowned with glory and honor, carefully made and tenderly loved by the King. Each of us is personally cared for and loved by the King. Each of us is indeed a “Little Big Man.”

The Father’s Deep Concern

The Hebrew word translated as “care” in Psalms 8 is paqad, a beautifully rich term. Paqad encompasses the ideas of care, concern, and gracious visitation. It conveys the image of someone noticing what is lacking, taking an interest, and actively stepping in to assist. Out of its over 300 uses in the Old Testament, many instances reflect God’s superior care for His people, often by personally intervening on their behalf.

This rhetorical question, “What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” beautifully expresses the psalmist’s astonishment at God’s love for humanity. The implication becomes even more staggering as we gain a greater understanding of the universe’s vastness.

Love Beyond Measure

We live on a small, fragile speck in space, floating in an immeasurable cosmos. Yet the Creator of the stars, galaxies, and infinite expanse focuses His love and attention on us. His concern is both personal and profound, a truth that should deepen our sense of gratitude and wonder.

Hal Lindsey brilliantly captured this paradox when saying, “He died on a piece of wood, yet He made the hill upon which it stood.” The very One who designed the intricate cosmos chose to humble Himself to save us. Such love should overwhelm us with awe.

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© Dr. H 2025