Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

by Allan Knapp

Psalm 139:13–16
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

This passage is rightly used as an indicator for the sanctity of life in the womb, arguing against the killing of babies via abortion. It also offers a wonderful encouragement – each one of us is indeed fearfully and wonderfully made!

Our bodies have specialized cells galore: red blood cells to carry oxygen, white blood cells to fight disease, neurons in the brain and spinal column to carry electrical impulses, acid-resistant cells in the stomach lining and gastric gland cells that produce the acid. Many cells are little factories, accepting supplies, manufacturing needed items, and sending out deliveries via the bloodstream. FedEx Overnight is incredibly slow compared to the human circulatory system; blood clotting starts within minutes of an injury. Antibodies attack and neutralize bad-acting germs, bacteria, and viruses almost immediately. Every body function has cells dedicated to their task.

Consider the sovereign God who made all these cells, who even has all your hairs numbered (Luke 12:7). 

He is our Great Healer (Exodus 15:26). He has provided us with wonderful natural defenses against the CoronaVirus. Even the most vulnerable populations – the elderly and those with compromised systems – will be able to fight off the infection. 

And recall Pastor Kevin’s sermon a week ago from Ephesians 4:7-17. Our sovereign God is the head of the Church, which is often referred to as a “body.” God has given each of us a part to play in the church. Ephesians and 1 Corinthians 12 list some of the tasks: shepherds, teachers, healers, servants, administrators, leaders, interpreters. We are given skills and gifts that fit our tasks, similar to the many different kinds of cells that have specific purposes. And God’s church will prevail (Matthew 16:18).

Many of you know your place in the church and serve with distinction. If you are still searching for your task(s), remember a couple of things. First, just as every human body cell has a plasma membrane and DNA, every church body member needs to study God’s Word and pray. As you pray, petition God to show you your part. Second, explore. Read up on available ministries, ask friends, volunteer. Sometimes you find a rewarding and suitable task by discovering ministries that are definitely wrong for you.

Fear and awe are due to the one true God of the universe who created and gave assignments to all the cells in each of our bodies AND who has created and given a purpose with gifts and talents to each of the members of our church. Be thankful and praise God for His creation, including all those cells in your body and your place in the Church body.