Creation of Man

Listen to today’s reading:

Genesis 1:26-28

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Psalm 2:1-3

Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
“Let us break their chains
and throw off their shackles.”

Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Today’s Reading:

Imagine that you are one out away from a perfect game. You make the decision – you wave your hand and put the ball into the mitt of your twelve year old son. Think about this. The God of the universe created a good and perfect creation, and in a sense gave it over to us through the first man, Adam, to rule over it (Genesis 1:26,27). Do you think the angels were perplexed at this proclamation – that God would hand His prized possession over to created, earthly beings (not even considering the heavenly beings)? It’s not exactly hard to show how inadequate we have been as ‘kings’ on this earth. There isn’t anything on earth that hasn’t suffered because of our dominion-ship. Thank God for sending His Son, a fully adequate king worthy to rule. Jesus said, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” He is the beginning of making all things new. Our mission as men and women under the kingship of Christ now is to make disciples, because as John the Baptist proclaims, “the Kingdom of God is at hand!” He promises that he is with us as we build his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

Today’s Prayer Guide:

Praise – Tell God that he is a good Father and acknowledge Jesus as a great king.

Confession – Share with him your faults as an unworthy leader.

Ask – Ask him to help you submit to his kingship and let him guide you through the Holy Spirit as you lead others by word and deed.