Meditation

Meditation: Genesis 1:24-31

Reading: Genesis 1:24-31

 

Genesis 1:25 says “And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind.” God created each animal and plant separately according to its own kind. An apple tree was created as an apple tree. An ant was created as an ant, and remains an ant. A monkey was created as a monkey, and so on. In other words each animal did not evolve from another (lower) form of life, but to each animal God gave its own unique character.

 

Furthermore vs 26 says “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness’ ”. Man, (that is, the human being) was also created with his own unique character. Therefore man too did not evolve from the animals or any other form “lower form of life”. Man does not carry any animal characteristics in his genes. All his attributes are distinctly human.

 

Being made in God’s image means man reflects many of God’s attributes such as love, justice, goodness, righteousness, discernment and wisdom. Man understands how to use these attributes to God’s glory. Man was placed in creation where he beholds everywhere the wonderful works of God. God gives man the ability to observe and study the micro world and the immenseness of the universe. He can apply this knowledge in order to develop all the potential God has laid into creation. Man understands that things were also ordained for his own use, that he, as steward and under deep obligation, will obediently devote and dedicate himself to God and serve his fellow man. Furthermore, God endued man with understanding and reason so that, being distinguished from animals, he might meditate on a better life and reverently adore God as the Creator of all things.

 

Key text: Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

Question: “God created man in His own image”. In your own words describe what this means. How do you apply this in your daily life?