MAN MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD Devotion #1 of 17

"And 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 fowl of the air, and over the cattle , and over all the earth. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them."

(Genesis 1:26-27)

INTRODUCTION

"What is man, that Thou art mindful of him," queried David (Psa. 8:4). His question was prompted by a consideration of the magnificence of the heavens. They were so large, and man was so small. Noted for their longevity, they stood in stark contrast to man, noted for his brevity. The glory of the heavens is so consistent compared to man's glory, which, like the flower of the grass, fades away (1 Per. 1:24). How can the great God fasten His attention on apparently insignificant man? David's question is answered throughout the Scriptures, and the answer is satisfying to the soul. Others have pondered humanity, attempting to comprehend its role and significance in the scheme of things. The evolutionist concludes that man resulted from a series of progressions, starting with primeval slime, and randomly progressing to his current state. The politician sees man as someone to be governed-- someone that can be of personal advantage to his quest for power. The hedonist sees humanity as an end in itself, one to be dominated by a quest for pleasure and the gratification of the lower nature. In the religious realm, the person enslaved to the Law principle sees man as basically wayward--and unchangeably so. He must therefore be governed by coercive and threatening law. The way man is perceived lies at the heart of all religion, true and false. Those in bondage to erroneous doctrines that "drown men in perdition," have fundamental misconceptions of man, and of the God Who made him. A proper view of man opens vast areas of profitable and necessary thought. It also answers many of the dilemmas created by flawed theology. This is not a trite subject, but one that will yield untold spiritual benefits. Speaking for myself, I have found insight concerning this matter is one of the key elements in the understanding of Scripture. What is the real view of man? the heavenly view? God's view? As may be expected, it differs radically from that of unregenerate man. The Lord's perspective of humanity is prompted by divine purpose, and is the ONLY valid view of it. Eventually, as they stand before His throne, every individual will see people from God's point of view. It is to our eternal advantage to gain this solitary perspective now. The day of judgement will be too late to obtain this perspective! The provision of salvation was required by the Lord's consideration of humanity. The Psalmist marveled that God considered, or pondered, "man." A casual and passing consideration of creation could never have provoked an inquiry like that. Our Father structured the entire world around His "offspring." Those that duly consider His creation will find the Lord's consideration of humanity compelling. That reflection will eclipse all earthly contemplations.

-- TOMORROW: THE AFFIRMATION --