“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”
Psalm 103:13-14
I don’t know many people who are fond of dust. It seems that as soon as a person cleans the dust from every surface in the home, there it is again! Some of us sneeze or get sick from it. Sometimes mechanical things break down from it. Dust is just not something we cherish or treasure.
What then is the connection between us who are dust, and the Lord’s compassion? Dust reminds us that we are created beings and as such, dependent on the Lord. We are reminded that whatever strength we have, it is fleeting. Our bodies will break down. But our weakness stirs the Lord to have compassion on us as a parent has compassion on a child. God demonstrated this by sending His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from sin and death.
The stark recognition that we are all dust pulls us from our default worldview, one that puts a premium on physical ability rather than on our common stature before the Lord. Knowing that the Lord has compassion on dust compels us to show compassion to those around us, no matter what their level of bodily ability.
What then is the connection between us who are dust, and the Lord’s compassion? Dust reminds us that we are created beings and as such, dependent on the Lord. We are reminded that whatever strength we have, it is fleeting. Our bodies will break down. But our weakness stirs the Lord to have compassion on us as a parent has compassion on a child. God demonstrated this by sending His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from sin and death.
The stark recognition that we are all dust pulls us from our default worldview, one that puts a premium on physical ability rather than on our common stature before the Lord. Knowing that the Lord has compassion on dust compels us to show compassion to those around us, no matter what their level of bodily ability.
Scripture Focus
Psalm 103
Insight
“Well, it’s crazy to imagine,/ Words from my lips as the arms of compassion,/ Mountains crumble with every syllable./ Hope can live or die./ So speak life!” (Toby Mac, 2012)
Bible In A Year
- Job 13-14
- Psalm 49
- Luke 12
