In His ImageSample

Day 3: In His Image

Discover: Throughout the beginning of Scripture, these verses hinted at the Trinity working together to form creation. As we examine Genesis 1:26–27, it is quite interesting how the language of the Trinity immediately shifts. In days one through five, the Triune God says, “Let there be,” but as we go deeper into this passage, it changes to “Let us make.” This change in language immediately shows the very nature in which we were created. It reveals to us that what the Trinity made is much greater and uniquely different than all He previously created. The expression "let us" informs us what it means to be made in His image, to reflect the very community and relational desire God has for us, as we were created by the Trinity. The reflection of God's image in us is beautifully evident in our tendencies: to love and form relationships, to communicate, steward, and create. Even the simple act of passing down stories is the very means we use to share our wonderful Creator. By creating us in His image, His heart and desire has always been that we experience perfect and genuine love in Him.

Learn: The truth of being made in God’s image becomes significantly important as we realize we live in a society that desperately asks the question, “Who am I?” It is necessary to address this conversation in a world where we can be and act as we wish, and where such behavior seems acceptable and even encouraged. We must revisit the beginning of Scripture and recognize, regardless of our age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status, and despite what we ultimately believe, the Bible declares we are image bearers of the living God. Yet, when we examine our lives, the great brokenness in the world makes it difficult to see people as being created in God’s image. However, in the act of creation, we realize brokenness was never God's intent, for what He created was deemed as utterly perfect. We will soon see in Genesis 3 that sin distorts this perfect image in which we were created.

Apply: As we start to truly understand what it means to be created in His image, we will recognize from the very beginning of Scripture to the end of time, God’s image will be affirmed and upheld. More specifically, we see how Jesus is the divine image of God, as stated in Colossians 1:15, which says, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Therefore, Genesis 1:26-27 is just a glimpse of what we will witness in the future through the coming of Jesus who defines how to live through His character, conviction, calling, and community. From the outset, we must recognize the need to become more like Jesus. As we reflect Him, we become more like the image bearers God intended. God knew at the very beginning of the world that neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation would be able to separate us from the love of our Father that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord (Romans 8).