Wonderfully Made: Embracing God's Design Psalm 139:13-14
Introduction:
Today, we explore the profound truth revealed in Psalm 139:13-14, where King David reflects on the intricacy of God's creation, particularly the marvel of human life. This passage invites us to delve into the depths of God's intimate knowledge and purpose for each one of us.
Psalm 139:13-14 (NLT): "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Point 1: Divine Formation in the Womb
In verse 13, David acknowledges that God is the Author of life itself. The imagery of being "knit together" in the womb underscores the intentional and intricate design that God invests in every human life. From the moment of conception, God is actively involved in forming each individual, shaping them according to His divine blueprint.
Psalm 139:13 celebrates the divine craftsmanship displayed in human creation. The Hebrew word for "knit" (??????, sakak) conveys the idea of intricately weaving or embroidering, emphasizing the intimate and deliberate nature of God's work in forming us.
"God's design in creating us impacts our purpose and potential. Each life is not a random occurrence but a masterpiece crafted by the Master Creator." - Charles Stanley
Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT): "I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations."
In Jeremiah 1:5, God speaks to Jeremiah, revealing that He had a plan for Jeremiah's life even before he was conceived. This verse underscores God's intimate involvement in human life from the very beginning. God knew Jeremiah's purpose and appointed him for a specific task even before his birth, highlighting the divine sovereignty in shaping human destiny.
Job 10:8-12 (NLT): Job acknowledges God's creative hand in his formation, expressing wonder at his own existence.
Job's reflection on God's creative work in Job 10:8-12 demonstrates a profound recognition of God's intricate craftsmanship in forming human life. Job acknowledges God's involvement in every stage of his existence, from conception to birth and beyond. This passage underscores the divine care and purpose behind human creation.
Point 2: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Verse 14 declares David's response to God's creative work—praise. He acknowledges that he is "fearfully and wonderfully made." The term "fearfully" suggests reverence and awe, recognizing the divine wisdom and power behind our formation. "Wonderfully made" highlights the uniqueness and beauty inherent in God's creation.
The phrase "fearfully and wonderfully made" reflects the deep reverence and amazement David feels towards God's craftsmanship. It underscores the intricate details of our physical and spiritual composition, reflecting God's glory and creativity.
"We are not accidents of nature; we are the deliberate creations of a wise and loving God." - John Stott
Genesis 1:27 (NLT): "So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
Genesis 1:27 highlights the pinnacle of God's creation—humanity. This verse emphasizes that each person is made in the image of God, bearing His likeness and reflecting His nature. The inherent dignity and value of every human life stem from being created in God's image, setting humanity apart from the rest of creation.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT): "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
Ephesians 2:10 declares believers as God's masterpiece, emphasizing the intentional and purposeful nature of God's creative work. This verse underscores that God not only created us but also redeemed us through Jesus Christ, equipping us to live out the good works He prepared in advance for us. Believers are a testimony to God's transformative power and His divine purpose for each life.
Point 3: Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
David concludes by acknowledging the profound impact of God's creative work on his life. He affirms that God's works are wonderful, and he knows this truth fully. This declaration invites us to embrace God's design and purpose for our lives, recognising His sovereignty over our existence.
David's affirmation of God's wonderful works extends beyond mere acknowledgment; it embodies a deep-seated conviction of God's goodness and wisdom in His creative acts.
"God made us the way we are for His glory and His purpose. Our role is to honour Him with our lives, fully embracing His design." - Rick Warren
Isaiah 64:8 (NLT): "And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand."
Isaiah 64:8 employs the imagery of a potter shaping clay to illustrate God's sovereignty over His creation. Humanity is likened to clay in the hands of the potter—malleable and subject to the Potter's design. This verse highlights God's authority and creative power in forming and fashioning each individual according to His will.
Romans 9:20-21 (NLT): "No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, 'Why have you made me like this?' When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into?"
Romans 9:20-21 reinforces the analogy of the potter and the clay, emphasizing God's sovereign right over His creation. This passage challenges human presumption and underscores the humility required to acknowledge God's authority in shaping our lives. It highlights the truth that God determines our purpose and destiny, and it calls for a posture of submission and trust in His divine plan.
Application and Call to Action:
These verses collectively affirm God's intentional and purposeful creation of humanity. They underscore God's sovereignty, care, and purpose in forming each individual, emphasizing the inherent value and dignity of every human life. As we reflect on these truths, may we embrace God's design for our lives and live in accordance with His divine purpose.
As we reflect on Psalm 139:13-14, let us:
Embrace our identity as fearfully and wonderfully made by God.
Honour God's design by living according to His purpose and will.
Celebrate the uniqueness and value of every human life, recognising God's hand in each person's formation.
Let us respond with gratitude and awe to the truth that we are God's masterpiece, crafted with divine intention and purpose. May we live out our lives in alignment with His design, bringing glory to His name.
