It is significant that we are described as being slightly lower than the angels rather than being slightly higher than the beasts. Our place and privilege is to be a mediating figure, but to be one who looks up rather than down. When we sever the tie that binds us to God and try to cast off God’s rule, we do not rise up to take God’s place, as we desire to do, but rather sink to a more bestial level. In fact, we come to think of ourselves as beasts (“the naked ape”) or, even worse, as machines.
— James Montgomery Boice (1938–2000), Pastor und Theologe
Related Bible passage: PSA.8.6
Topics: Meaning & Identity, Humility & Pride, Wisdom & Understanding
Occasions: For Reflection
James Montgomery Boice
James Montgomery Boice (1938–2000) war ein US-amerikanischer reformierter Theologe und langjähriger Pastor der Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Er prägte die evangelikale Bewegung maßgeblich durch seinen Einsatz für die Irrtumslosigkeit der Bibel im Rahmen der Chicago-Erklärung sowie durch seine Radiosendung „The Bible Study Hour“. Heutigen Bibellesern begegnet er vor allem durch seine Bibelkommentare, die klassisch-reformierte Theologie mit fortlaufender Schriftauslegung verbinden.
All quotes by James Montgomery Boice (19)
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.
Henri Nouwen
To love a person means to see them as God meant them to be.
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Inner dignity remains, even when performance capacity and social role decline.
Anselm Grün
There is a God, and I'm not him.
John Mark Comer
God has put eternity into our hearts and filled it with longing.
John Piper
Prayers are tools not for doing or getting, but for being and becoming.
Eugene Peterson