Day 10 | Genesis 1:27
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. Genesis 1: 26-31 (NIV)
For Reflection:
The creation story; one we can all practically recite by heart… how God created the world day by day… first the light and darkness; then the sky; land and seas; plants and all vegetation; the sun, moon and stars; birds and sea creatures; all animals who move on the ground; and God made all of these things and saw that they were good. And then comes the part we all like to boast about… the part where God said that all of creation was good… but mankind that was created on the sixth day… we were very good.
Creation is incredible, immaculate and stunning. The woods, trees, mountaintop experiences and water is where I often turn to see God when I’m struggling to see Him anywhere else; and yet, it was mankind that God emphasized as His greatest creation. His greatest… because “God created mankind in his own image, In the image of God he created them.” Made in His image. Not as demi-gods… not to be God… but to resemble Him. Mankind, as God’s greatest creation, were made in His image to mirror his likeness… and to display, reflect and communicate who He is to the world.
Sometimes I wonder, when God created us in His image, what specifically was He trying to portray? I like to think that He wanted mankind, as God’s image bearers, to portray His character to the world. We still have free will and mess up each and every day, however by carrying His image in us, I believe we possess and are capable of expressing His compassion, love and mercy.
I am God’s image-bearer, as are others around me. I think that often our “human” qualities tend to pervade our being and dominate what is visible to us. My character often seems to shove down the character of God which existed first in me… and when I look at the world and people around me, I struggle to see God’s character at the forefront. If I was created in God’s image and my neighbor was created in God’s image and my enemy was created in God’s image; then each of us is capable of reflecting God’s character in our lives. Each of us is capable of extending love and mercy and compassion.
Let us Pray:
Dear God, thank you for creating the world and loving me so much that you wanted me to be your image bearers. Not your slave… or your pawn… but a true picture of your character to those around me. Help me to recognize your presence in me and be a light to the world, spreading your love, compassion and mercy to all who will hear and accept. Thank you for choosing mankind to be your “very good”… your greatest creation. Amen.
Question:
Where and how can I recognize the creation that was considered ”very good” in and around me today?