The ThreadIsampula
Image-Bearer
The language of creation refers to God speaking things into existence, yet when God created man, the text says, "He formed the man out of the dust" and breathed His own breath into the man. You are made in His image, and He gave you His breath—signifying that you have more worth than other parts of creation! Have you ever considered that you are God's image-bearer everywhere you go? Well, you are! You always carry God's image, and He did that on purpose.
God wanted people to be part of His family. Chances are, you look like one of your parents, a sibling, or a great-great someone in your family tree. God created us to look like Him so that all creation would know to whom we belong! The fall threw a wrench in God's plan, but He could not be deterred and set his plan to redeem us in motion.
Our choice to rejoin God's family through Jesus reconnects us to God's original intent. We go from Image-bearer to Child of God when we accept the work of Jesus on the cross. That acceptance gives us an identity in Christ that puts us back in family standing—like being put in the will to receive a portion of your family inheritance. To better understand what it means to be in Christ, take some time this week to read the book of Ephesians.
Understanding Christ's work to restore us to God's family is crucial as we walk in a fallen world. The enemy is trying to steal, kill, and destroy you, but God is eagerly seeking reconnection and a relationship with us as we choose to believe more about who He says we are.
Question: Do you feel burdened or excited by the knowledge that you carry the image of God? How can you embrace how He sees you and prioritize reflecting Him in your life?
Prayer: Invite God to increase your awareness of who you are in Christ (and give you the power to ignore lies that tell you who you're not).
Mayelana naloluHlelo
This twelve-part plan traces the thread of God's story with a high-level overview of the whole Bible; it can be read alone, with a group, or with your family! Each month, you will dive into a new part of the unified story that leads to Jesus, all the while discovering the heart of God for the whole world. This month, we'll read through Genesis 1–11. Let's dive into part one of twelve!
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