In His Image - January 1, 2009

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

Genesis 1:26-28

Here we have the first mention of mankind in the scripture. According to the principals of hermeneutics a subject's introduction defines its parameters. Here we have God laying out His original plans for us. We see this is how He will relate to mankind forever. From this initiating passage God lays out three elemental factors in our relationship with Him:

1.) Made In His Image

2.) Given Dominion

3.) Blessed To Multiply And Subdue His Environment

Our Father always relates to us as His Family. We are made in His image and He favors us because of the resemblance. This "Image" is why God values and loves us. It is why He sent His Son to die for our sins. This is the primary connection we have with our Father. Hebrews tells us that He did not die for angels nor did He put an angel as His Son on the throne. We are loved greatly by the Father, who always does what is best for us.

Humans are also given dominion. Not domination. Domination is bullying. Dominion is overseeing something that does not belong to you to serve its well being. Attending to the responsibility of its success. Good parents exercise dominion over their children in a manner that causes them to grow up to be the best adult they can be. Good husbands do not dominate their wives with some bullying technique so they will be successful men. Rather they make a place of security that creates an environment where their wife will be able to develop into her full potential.

Finally, we are to reproduce and grow beyond our original starting point to influence the whole world. We can't just maintain the garden God starts us out in. We must build others up to carry on the work of God. Adam and Eve would have never been able to care for the whole earth, but they and their children would have been. Our Father intends for us to develop the blessing He has bestowed upon us until we fill our whole sphere of influence with His kingdom.

As we face this new year let us ask if we are developing our relationship with the Father in these three key areas. Am I growing more like Christ? Am I growing in my skill to manage my life? Am I reproducing the benefits He has given me in others causing His influence to grow in the Earth?

Pursuing His Purpose In A New Year,

Pastor Jason