In the tapestry of creation, we find the symphony of God’s craftsmanship displayed in the heavens, seas, and land. Yet, at the zenith of this masterpiece stands when God sculpted the first man, the steward of all He had meticulously formed. This truth, resonating with deep significance, echoes the teachings of Scripture and invites us to understand the profound essence of our existence as image bearers of the Creator.
In the opening chapters of Genesis, we witness the first man’s emergence from the earth’s dust, a profound connection that binds humanity and animals alike. This common origin manifests in the shared fate of returning to the dust after death. However, the vital distinction emerges: though sharing this earthly substance, humanity possesses the indelible “image of God.”
The narration of this divine craftsmanship is akin to a celestial conversation—a consultation among the Persons of the Godhead. “Let Us make man in Our image,” a declaration that unveils the divine intent, distinct from the creation of angels, who do not bear the divine image. Angels stood apart from this act, not contributing to the formation of Adam.
The poetic beauty of the creation account shines in the act of formation itself. Like a potter shaping a masterpiece with skilled hands, the Lord “formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” This breathtaking scene conveys the intricate artistry of God’s design and the sheer power required to bring life into being.
Within this narrative, anthropomorphism offers insight into the profound nature of divine work and attributes. The breath of life, bestowed upon Adam, is not a literal exhalation, but an expression signifying God’s infusion of life itself.
Three profound truths illuminate the essence of our human existence:
Firstly, our origin is divinely ordained. We are not cosmic accidents or products of evolutionary chance. Instead, we are the handiwork of the Creator. Our lives find their essence in Him, for “in Him we live, and move, and have our being.”
Secondly, the “image of God” imprinted within us is a distinctive mark. Unlike the angelic and animal realms, humanity possesses a unique capacity for relationship with God. Our personalities, emotions, and wills enable communion with the Divine, a gift that sin may mar but cannot extinguish. Through Christ’s redemptive work, this image can be restored and renewed.
Thirdly, our dominion over creation reflects a divine mandate. As regents of God’s creation, we are called to care for and steward the earth. Though lost through Adam’s fall, this dominion was reclaimed by Christ, the last Adam, through His victory over sin and death.
This remarkable Creator merits our worship and obedience. Amid the vastness of the universe, He turns His attention to humanity, offering His creation for our sustenance and delight. In the light of His goodness, we find cause to lift our hearts in praise, thanking Him for the bounties of existence.
Yet, our praise extends beyond mere words. As stewards of creation, we must embrace the responsibility to safeguard and honor it. This mandate extends to our fellow image-bearers and the resources gifted to us. Treating creation as the precious gift it is and using it for the glory of God honors both the Creator and His creation.
Humanity stands as a testament to divine artistry in the symphony of existence. Formed from the earth and infused with the breath of life, we bear the image of God—a distinction that invites us to communion with Him, to honor and care for His creation, and to find our purpose in reflecting His glory. As Psalm 145:9 reminds us, “The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.”
~PW 🌮🛶
Phillip W. Martin 
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