David closes Psalm 9 this way. “Make them tremble in fear, O Lord. Let the nations know they are merely human.” verse 20 NLT (emphasis mine).
David has talked about the global impact of God. But he has also reviewed the difference God has made in his personal life. Then he closes with let all the nations know they are merely human.
Often instead of saying merely human we say only human. We use being “only human” as a way to excuse our perceived minor shortcomings. I know I lost my cool but I’m only human. Sure I shouldn’t have said that but after all I’m only human. Yes I admit I should not have done that but I’m only human.
That’s not the way I see the phrase being used here. Being only human is not an excuse or a get out of jail free card. Merely human is placed against the backdrop of God. I am merely human but God is divine. My love and commitment is only human but God’s is.. You get the idea.
Being merely human is good news when in relationship with God. God is transcendent beyond human time and space. Yet God is also active all around us because God chooses to be.
That’s good news! I have struggles that require far more than my human resources. O Lord I am merely human but I place who I am in your hands. Transform me. Flow through this human life with a divine message and means. Give me greater vision and ideas that I can have on my own. Work in my life so that others may see you and honor you. Lord I am merely human but win me over to a life that is far more than I could ever imagine. |