Purpose Abandoned • Psalm 8:1-6; 14:1-7
By Bobby McKay
If I were to calculate the amount of land I own, it would not take long to come up with the total sum. Altogether, about three-quarters of an acre bears my name. It is the grounds for a house I own and hope to sell. I know many people who have owned the same pieces of land passed down from their ancestors for over 100 years. Part of their legacy is their land. Land is one of the few things we cannot manufacture alone. Whether you own less than an acre or thousands, God has blessed us with a beautiful earth to enjoy and care for. Like all things, mankind has caused great harm to our habitat and environment due to sinful and devastating choices. As stewards of God’s creation, we should be mindful of His great love for everything around us.
Psalm 8:1-6
When the psalmist took time to reflect on the intricate details of the creation and the status God gave humanity, he was overwhelmed with an attitude of worship. Everything God created was done to bring Him praise and glory. A sunrise, mountain range, beach, or many animals are all in the palm of His hand, and they each point to Him as Sovereign. More than any of these are humans. We are made in the image of God and are without meaning and purpose if we do not serve or worship Him.
Psalm 14:1-3
No matter how splendid the creation is or how impressive the animal kingdom may be, each person has chosen to willfully and intentionally sin against God. The visible creation alone is insufficient for people to choose to know God and pursue righteousness. When we choose to sin, we are not only making an unwise choice but also telling God we know what is best for us more than He does. It seems here lately, more than at other times in the past, people are expressing the sentiment, “The world is worse than ever before.” May I give you insight as to why this is? The problem is the world is filled with sinners like you and me. We have drifted so far from God’s original intention for us that we now see the results of a broken society. We can never expect to turn away from God and be blessed at the same time.
Psalm 14:4-7
The instant a person repents and turns back to God, the fellowship is restored. The patience and grace of God are two of the most prominent themes in all of Scripture and history. For each sin the believer chooses to commit, the Forgiving Father offers pardon. This is the message and power of the cross. God offers refuge for all who come to Him. The restoration God provides is essential for our relationship with Him to be what it should be. We all know the feeling of a strained relationship with a family member or someone in our church. A damaged relationship with God is infinitely more critical and long-lasting. The psalmist concludes with praise. There is no greater assurance for the believer than to be in good standing with God. Our greatest desire should be to know God and surrender to Him in every aspect of our life. Our world is in bad shape, but it won’t be long until He comes and sets things back in order. Don’t forsake Him now!
McKay is pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church, Morton.
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