Let Us Make Man

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27 ESV)

One of the single greatest statements made by God is found in Genesis 1:26. The fact that Jehovah would choose to make anything after His own likeness was amazing.

But then He did the unthinkable – He gave this creature authority over everything that He had created.

What on earth? That God chose to form this latest creature by His own hand and not just speak it into being is nothing short of astonishing.

But don’t just take my word for it, let’s talk through it together. And as we go through it, really picture it in your mind; fully absorb the awesomeness of God.

Man was made from dust. We get more information about the creation of man in Genesis 2:7. Now I don’t know what form God was in at that time or how tall He was during the formation of man.

But I do believe this – unless He was the shortest of all men and was about 3 feet tall, there’s no way He could have made an entire human being unless He knelt, bent or stooped down.

Now imagine that: the Almighty Jehovah, Creator of heaven and earth and all that is within them, stooped down to make this latest creation. Now, why was that? Why didn’t God just say, “Let there be man”? I’m sure the clay would have fashioned itself exactly as He wanted it. But no, God wanted to put His hand on the man. In a manner similar to a potter molding clay, He molded and made the first man.

He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Now how can you do that unless you first lean over him? It also involves intimate contact – either mouth to mouth or mouth to nose. Do you see how much connection God had with this particular creation?

We are made in His image, the ruler of all that He had made. Doesn’t seem fair, does it? Imagine taking the time to create a little village. You made each intricate little piece just as it should be. But then, instead of reserving it strictly for your own use, you gave it to your son or daughter and told them it was theirs to use as they chose.

Can you think of greater evidence of love than that? That’s what this whole account in Genesis points to love.

Now we know that the world God created is nowhere near the one that we’re living in now. Because of sin. Because of man’s disobedience. Yet, God didn’t treat the first sinners as they deserved.

He didn’t destroy them and call for a do-over. Instead, He offered them grace. He gave them an opportunity for a new life, a renewed relationship with Him. That offer is still available to us.

“Come let us reason together. “says God. “Though your sins are as scarlet they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as snow.”

Can you think of a better offer? Praise God now only for creating you in His image but also for the redemption that was offered to fallen man.