In the Image of God

       “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Gen. 1:27

There is a lot going on in this single verse from the first chapter of Genesis.  Read the chapter carefully and you will see the image of Creator God as He brings order to what was once a "formless void."  At the height of His creative work, He brings humankind into being... made in His own likeness.  The power of God is demonstrated throughout the chapter as He simply "speaks" all things into existence.  Also, notice that God chooses to make humankind in His image.  Something about who we are, how we think, and perhaps even how we look, somehow reflects the image of our Father.  Also notice the instantaneous creation of both male and female.  From the beginning, the image of God is placed in both sexes.  There is no second class citizenship given, but rather an equality of creation.

Let's focus on what it means to be made in the image of God.  First, there is a sense in which we possess certain qualities that our Father possesses.  We can think, reason, exercise limited dominion, experience relationship, communicate, love, and re-create.  God has given us the ability to be like Him in many ways, though certainly never His equal.  He is Creator, we are still the creations.  But here's a second thought.  In the ancient Hebrew texts, the verse could be translated as... "God created man as His image" rather than using the word, "in His image." Of all things created, humankind alone is called upon to bear the image of God before the nations.  Think about it.  God has created us to represent Him before all creation.  What the world must know of God, it should begin to learn from each of us.  What a challenge... Are we like our Father?  Do we love unselfishly, share abundantly, forgive extravagantly, treat others patiently?  It's something to think about.

        So what do you think it means for you to have been made in the image of God?  What does it take, day to day, to represent Him before the nations?  If you fail to represent The Father, then what image do you share with others?  Give me some feedback... Tell me what disciplines are needed in your life to bear His image.  Has anyone seen in you, the love of Christ and the compassion of The Father?  Who has borne the image of God to you recently, and how did you recognize His appearing in others?  Let's start a conversation.

jrr