Learn how to find the main point of a psalm by analyzing smaller units and visually connecting them. Explore the themes of God's victory through infants and His dominion over man in Psalm 8, and how it relates to Jesus' entry on Palm Sunday.
When reading larger units of Scripture, like a chapter or paragraphs, discerning the main point can be challenging, but by examining smaller units and looking for connections, you can piece together the main point.
In the case of Psalm 8, the main point is God's use of weakness and insignificant things to achieve victory and exercise dominion, a theme that is also echoed in Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
Deep dives
Understanding Scripture as a Whole
When reading a larger unit of Scripture, such as a chapter or a few paragraphs, it can be challenging to see the main point or how all the pieces fit together. Pastor John uses an analogy of a jigsaw puzzle to explain the process. Just like fitting puzzle pieces together, you examine individual pieces carefully, looking for specific characteristics or connections. By piecing together smaller units, such as two or three verses or a paragraph, you can discern the main point of these mid-size units. Write down the main points of each unit on paper and try to see how they relate to one another.
Discovering God's Use of Weakness
In the case of Psalm 8, Pastor John initially found it baffling. However, by examining the different parts of the psalm, he was able to find common themes and connections. The beginning and end of the psalm emphasize the majesty of God's name, while the middle section mentions babies crying out and God's dominion over man. Through careful consideration, Pastor John realized that the main point of the psalm is God's use of weak and insignificant things to achieve victory and exercise dominion. This theme of God using weakness is also echoed in Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. By actively engaging with the text, taking notes, and thinking and praying about the connections, readers can uncover deeper insights.