Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. This verse introduces us to the creator and the creation. So thinking of creation, the Kenya’s national anthem came to mind.
“O God of all creation
Bless this our land and nation
Justice be our shield and defender
May we dwell in unity
Peace and liberty
Plenty be found within our borders”
This is just but a stanza. This anthem is considered a prayer for the fact that it praises and acknowledges the creator, God, who formed and sustains everything in his power. It presents Kenya as a nation that fully depends on God the source of all that exists. What a sobering thought!
Let’s get back to the beginning.
God said “let there be”, and there was. In Genesis 1:3-24 we see how by His word he created the universe out of nothing. He spoke things into existence. He created the heavens and the earth, day and night, sea creatures and every living creature. He made the beasts and the livestock. Vs.26 Then God said, “Let us (trinity mentioned) make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Vs 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Are wondering why the author has to repeat the aspect of creation, image and likeness in the verses above?
I have encountered evolution stories and I’m sure you also have heard or studied the Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution at some point. It’s important to know that we were created by a creator, God. It was not a genetic mutation that happened neither was it a chromosomal accident nor a gene reassortment as Greg Gilbert puts it in his book, “What is the Gospel?” God created the world and he also created you. This subject is not debatable!
“Created after his image and likeness” what does this mean? Two ideas here are key: to reflect His glory and represent God here on earth. Firstly, we are relational beings just as he is. The relation of God the father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We are to relate with one another in dignity and also relate with God to know him. Secondly, we are to represent God, to be his ambassadors, to rule and subdue. To be in charge of what he has created.
What then?
Once you buy an appliance, the first thing to consider is the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use it. See this, after God created man, he (God) provided everything man required (Genesis 1 vs 29-30) and also gave guidelines on how to do life (Genesis 1:28 ). This meant that man was to live in total obedience and depend on God, the boss. Totally submit to His will and authority. This is then but a call then to submit to his authority and take good care of the creation.
I would want to refer to the anthem above, “oh God of all creation” Acknowledge the creator and worship him for his sovereign power to create everything by his word. He who brought everything into existence out of nothing.
With the knowledge of God creating us in his image and likeness, then treat everybody with dignity regardless of the nationality, race or even the social class. Everybody matters.
It’s so critical to mention at this point that after the fall in Genesis 3, reflecting and representing God was distorted. We lost it. That is the reason why Christ died to restore the fellowship. By faith and faith alone we are saved. “Therefore the ongoing work in us through the Holy Spirit, the word and God’s people is making us like Christ, to reflect and glorify God.” Isn’t this amazing? Praise the Jesus for great work of calvary.
The link to the sermon is here.
