Let Us Make Mankind In Our Image – June 8, 2023

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27

Let Us Make Mankind In Our Image

Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between humans and the other creatures in God’s world. For example, I find myself talking to my dog like she is just another family member. But humans are different from animals. On the very first page of the Bible, God says that humans, both male, and female, were made in God’s image, in his likeness.

One of the primary characteristics of God is love. God’s love is not just a warm feeling; but an action. We see this eternal love displayed at Jesus’ baptism. When Jesus came out of the water, the Father spoke from heaven, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). The Holy Spirit was there too, resting on Jesus, empowering him to serve.

Jesus’ baptism gives a window into an eternal reality. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit have always loved one another. As God’s image-bearers, we were created to mirror that love in the world. Unfortunately, that’s not who we have always been. We have not loved one another as God has loved us.

That’s why we needed a new kind of human to enter our world. The God-man, Jesus Christ. He lived a life of complete selfless love to the point of death. He conquered death through his glorious resurrection. Because of the work of the Son, the Father now says to us, “You are my child, whom I love. With you, I am well pleased.” The Holy Spirit now rests on us and empowers us to love as God’s image-bearers.

So take up your place in God’s created world. You are more than a mere creature. You were made to be like God, to love as he loves us.

Prayer:
Lord God, you created me to be more than just a mere creature, satisfying my own desires. You created me in your image, in your likeness. As a forgiven child of God, give me your Holy Spirit so I would love. Amen.