As I start my new Bible reading journey, using the Carson adaption of the McCheyne reading plan, I read Genesis 1 this morning and here are a few thoughts on this great chapter
Genesis 1
'The point of creation accounts in the ancient world (of which Israel was a part) is to explain the meaning of life and how we are to live.' (J. Richard Middleton)
In a most wonderful way the human dignity is explained as being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-28) and these verses show that the image of God is firstly to REFLECT God (v26-27).
Image means 'to reflect another who comes first...this means we are not number one , but number two.' (M. Guinan, in Joshua, Judges, Ruth Commentary , understanding the bible commentary series, p126). Sadly people prefer 'to be god rather than reflect God' (Cheryl Brown, in above commentary p126)
The second aspect of being in the image of God is RULERSHIP like God over the earth under God (v28).
The third meaning of being made in God's image is RELATIONSHIP with God. There in Genesis 1, it is only to the humans that God speaks directly and personally. In verse 28 we read that "God said to them...." and in verse 29 we read that 'God said, “Behold, I have given you ..."' Then in verse 30 when God has a word about the other creatures, He speaks indirectly. From this we learn that it is the image bearers alone of all God's creature who share in the possibility and privilege of a personal relationship with God. This is what makes us fully human, to know our Creator in a personal, word based, relationship.
Sadly this personal intimacy with God was lost in the fall (See Genesis 3:8f) and gloriously, it can be restored through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 17:3; 1 John 5:13).
Image means 'to reflect another who comes first...this means we are not number one , but number two.' (M. Guinan, in Joshua, Judges, Ruth Commentary , understanding the bible commentary series, p126). Sadly people prefer 'to be god rather than reflect God' (Cheryl Brown, in above commentary p126)
The second aspect of being in the image of God is RULERSHIP like God over the earth under God (v28).
The third meaning of being made in God's image is RELATIONSHIP with God. There in Genesis 1, it is only to the humans that God speaks directly and personally. In verse 28 we read that "God said to them...." and in verse 29 we read that 'God said, “Behold, I have given you ..."' Then in verse 30 when God has a word about the other creatures, He speaks indirectly. From this we learn that it is the image bearers alone of all God's creature who share in the possibility and privilege of a personal relationship with God. This is what makes us fully human, to know our Creator in a personal, word based, relationship.
Sadly this personal intimacy with God was lost in the fall (See Genesis 3:8f) and gloriously, it can be restored through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 17:3; 1 John 5:13).
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