Two passages stood out in my Bible reading this morning, both stark warnings about the nature and status of mankind. First, a warning from the prophet Isaiah to the kings of Israel: Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?

Then, from the pen of David: Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men!

Both sections of Scripture remind me of the status of men and women before a just and holy God. In the light of His glory, majesty and might, human beings are mere dust, of little regard, of no account. A bleak picture of those who oppose the Lord, and we all stand rightfully accused.

Nevertheless, God chose to love me and you and all ill-regarded men and women. He graciously sent his one and only son to sacrifice his life for us. We’re of no account, yet of the highest value. Hard to understand, and even harder to fathom—how do we plumb the mind of the Lord? But I remain grateful that God chose to account for those of us of no account.

Isaiah 2:22 & Psalm 9:19-20

Photo by Xavier von Erlach