A Day-by-day devotional

January 2, 2023

In His Image

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 4-7

Scripture of the Day: Luke 2:25-35

God created us in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). Thus, man is imago dei. What does that mean?

An image is a representation of something or someone. For instance, the former Queen of Great Britain, despite her not having visited all the overseas colonies belonging to British territory, was still known by people from those colonies she was not able to set foot into. Her image has been hanging in most of the government buildings. They knew her through that which represented her.

God gave us the commandment, “You shall not make yourself an idol” (Exodus 20:4-6), or paraphrasing, “Make no image in the likeness of me“. Besides Him being a jealous God not wanting anything or anyone else to be attributed the worship that belongs solely to Him, have you ever wondered why He has asked that of His people? Why does God not allow us to make an image of Him? Because He has already done that!

Why would we build with our hands what He already created with His? Why would we fashion Him using wood and bronze – representations which could not speak, hear nor see, when He created images of Him that are living and breathing?

He made a representation of Him in this world when He created man. He said, “Let us make man in our own image and likeness “.

Therefore, He told us not make any image of Him! Because He in fact, has already created man. Man is supposed to do as God tasked him to do, i.e., to rule over all other creation. You and I were created by God in His own image and likeness to fulfill what He has commissioned us to do – to be co-creators in the midst of all creation which God has purposefully brought into being. Since you and I were created as His images on earth, we therefore should live a life that reflects His nature, in our thoughts, speech, and action. On top of that, He asks that we, these images, these representations of Him, love one another (John 13:34) and worship no other than Him.

Finally, those created in His image – we – in order to be able to do that which He commanded us, must fix our eyes on the only uncreated full and perfect image of Him. This image is the only one who represents Him wholly and was sent to earth to bring salvation to those He created in His own image (Luke 2:30-32). This perfect image is none other than His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection: Have you ever thought of yourself or others as anything less than an image-bearer, created in the likeness of God the Father? You should always put to mind who you are created to be!

Prayer: Father God, you are amazingly wonderful! I praise you for You have fearfully and wonderfully made me in your image and likeness. Grant me the strength to be able to reflect this in the way I live my life and deal with those around me. In Jesus‘ name. Amen.