MAN MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD Devotion #3 or 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)

The image and glory of God

When dealing with confusion in the church, the Spirit reminded the thoughtless of the divine imagery in man. "For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man" (1 Cor. 11:7). Some may balk at this statement, but they must subdue their flesh. This is not meant to denigrate women, else the Spirit would not have said it. It is simply a reflection of the facts in the case--facts that are to affect the way we conduct ourselves in this world. The woman is the glory of the man because she was made from him. The marvel of this statement is that man is the "glory of God" as well as His image. Here is where God is made known in a unique way. If you were afforded the benefit of seeing and studying an angel, it would be overwhelming. Their might, wisdom, and glory would be staggering. Yet, you would not see as much of God in that angel as enlightened eyes can see in people. Divine qualities are found in humanity that are not found anywhere else. Affinity with God is offered to the race of Adam that has not been afforded angels like Michael and Gabriel. Man is an extension of God himself, capable of transcendent things when forgiven and blessed by God.

The offspring of God

The thought of God having "offspring" is striking. One term describing Adam is "son of God" (Luke 3:38). Paul dealt a devastating blow to idolatry when he reminded the Athenians and Stoics that even certain of their own heathen poets had perceived this. "For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device" (Acts 17:28-29). It is inexcusable to think of man in isolation from God, and yet we are continually challenged to do so by the world. Sadly, even the professed church joins in this conspiracy of Satan to rob the soul. Forgetting that we are God's offspring constrains men to consider the problems and difficulties of life as though there were no God or relationship to Him. The Spirit well says that it is "God with Whom we have to do" (Heb. 4:13), and again, "the fool hath said in his heart, there is no God" (Psa. 14:1; 53:1).

In the similitude of God

The early church soon began to drift from the Lord. It became easy for some to claim identity with God without living by faith. James, the brother of our Lord, wrote to correct this condition. He found believers railing on their fellow man, and quickly brought them to task for it. Because man is in the image of God, James resorted to reason. "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God" (James 3:9). It is true that ordinary people do not think like this; but the people of God are not ordinary people, and must steadfastly resist the temptation to fall into that category. If Satan tempts you to "curse" and rail upon men, remember, they "are made after the similitude of God." This will prove a powerful incentive in keeping your mouth from sinning.

-- TOMORROW: The Meaning the Divine Image --