On Being Human
What does it mean to be a human, and how do we discover our true identity? Genesis is the first book of the Bible, and in the first eleven chapters, we will not find facts or statistics but a story. This story is deeply relatable and engages what it means to be human.
“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule over the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.’ So God created mankind in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female” -Genesis 1:26-27
Some observations about being created in God’s image:
To be human means to have purpose and meaning in the form of our physical bodies
Humans are embodied; we have both an immaterial soul and a physical body that are inextricably connected.
We are all connected to one another and to the rest of creation and the natural world. Genesis 2 describes God creating man from the dust of the earth, breathing life into his nose, and taking a woman from his rib (his side).
Humans are male and female. God’s image is reflected in two complementary genders created to live in harmony and produce life and care for each other and creation.
Creator God intended for humanity to live in relationship with Himself as they reign over His good creation. Humans cannot create from nothing, but we can make meaning and beauty from the creation God gave to us.
God’s image is distorted because of our broken relationship with Him and with His creation (Genesis 3). Humanity confuses goodness with selfishness.
The human experience has shame in it, and all people, starting from the beginning until now, live in fear of being exposed and seen as weak or inferior.
Humans work very hard to hide shame, shift blame, and save face as a means of manufacturing harmony and peace. Due to a broken relationship with our creator, manmade peace is impossible.
Humans desire connection and restoration of something good, and God promises to destroy the evil that threatens His creation and His image-bearing humanity.
Humanity is a hopeful experience because God created us to desire goodness and beauty and harmony.
God’s only Son, Jesus, is the perfect image of the Invisible God who shows us the way to be rescued from corruption and evil. He produces new life and instills hope for a new creation where evil is defeated. Colossians 1:15-21 expounds upon Jesus being supreme in all things, and being the true hope of redemption for all humanity.
Stay tuned for more reflections from Genesis, or better yet, come worship with us Sundays at 10am!