Dear Cornerstone brothers and sisters,
The Psalmist tells us the heavens declare the glory of God. That is to say, creation speaks to us about the glory, power, and majesty of the Creator. The beauty of the heavens bears the fingerprint of its creator. From the brilliant galaxies above, to the intricate spider web, to the smallest molecule … creation is God’s handiwork (his megaphone, if you will) sounding forth the truth of the Creator. This week, pause to marvel at the world in which we live! And give praise to God for his power and beauty in his creation.
This week’s devotion is a reflection on the fundamental truth of man’s creation in the image of God. This doctrine has far-reaching implications for our everyday lives.
We look forward to worshipping with you this Lord’s Day!
From the Pastor’s Desk
Mid-week Devotional
“Made in God’s Image”
Gen 1:26, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.’”
Mankind is the ‘crown of creation.’ Genesis 1:26-28 describes the creation of mankind on the 6th day of the creation week (also see Gen 2:4-25 for the complementary account of the creation of man and woman). There are several aspects of the creation of man that we should observe that speak to its uniqueness. First, unique language is used to describe the creation of mankind. Prior to the creation of man, each aspect of creation was characterized by the statement, “And God said, let there be …” (Gen 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24). When it comes to v. 26, however, we read: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man …’” There is a note of self-deliberation in this verse. It is as if God is pausing and taking counsel with himself before he creates mankind!! Also, only man is said to be created in the image and according to the likeness of God. As the New Testament helps us to understand, man was created with knowledge, righteousness, and holiness (Col 3:10; Eph 4:24). Of course, such knowledge, righteousness, and holiness were lost after the Fall, but they were an essential part of Adam and Eve in the pre-fall condition. Furthermore, it is important to note that although man is now born in a sinful condition (Eph 2:1-3), he is still an image-bearer of God (Gen 9:6; James 3:9).
There are several important application that we should take from this glorious truth:
First, there is a relational application. All people are image-bearers of God – from the neighbor that we would rather not see, to the fellow church member that rubs us the wrong way; and even to the crassest atheist, they all bear the image of God. And thus, they should be treated with kindness and love (of course, to love them does not mean we affirm the unbeliever in his unbelief).
Also, there is an ethical application. From the tiniest embryo to the elderly great-grandmother holding on to life, they bear the image of God; and again, they must be treated with dignity, love, and respect.
Third, there is an apologetic application. The world may tell us that man is nothing more than a random collection of atoms, formed simply by matter, motion, time and chance. The Christian, however, knows the foolishness of this statement. Mankind is unique among creation as bearing the image of the Creator.
And finally, there is an evangelistic application. As we share the gospel of Christ with unbelievers, we are sharing it with those who bear the image of God. Although they may deny this truth, they cannot escape this truth. Therefore in some sense they do know God, they do have a moral consciousness, they do have a seed of religion in their hearts, although they will deny it with all their might. We know the truth, however; the truth that they bear the image of the very God they deny. And as believers, we are called to sound forth the good news of Christ! May this grand truth of mankind created in the image of God fill our minds and hearts this day!
God bless,
Robert