The Genesis
Last conversation, we paused on two reflective questions—who are you and why are you here? Hopefully, your self-assessment shed light on the areas that still needed some clarity or rebuilding. Either way, you’re in good company. Today, we return to the genesis—literally. Back to the beginning. Back to the book of Genesis, to understand the original design and intent for which humanity was created.
First, let’s read, Genesis 1:26-28 (No skimming!)
26Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”
In the beginning, humanity was made. That is, divinely crafted, uniquely formed and fashioned. God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), not only initiated man’s creation but actively engaged in it. This alone sings of the care and intentionality of the Creator toward His creation. From the very start, we see the intertwining of God and human identity. Humanity wasn’t just made in an image, but was made in His image and likeness. Now while we can’t fully unpack what that means here, one truth is clear: Identity is in God. So simple yet so profound. It is impossible to know the truth and depth of who you are without knowing Him. From the beginning, humanity was made as wonderfully complex—body, mind and spirit. Humanity was made with creative capacity, rationality and free will. Humanity was made in His image and likeness.
In verse 26, we see God’s intention for humanity but in verse 28, that intention becomes instruction. The declaration over mankind was to create—productively and sustainably, cultivate—bring structure and order and reign—exercise dominion and stewardship over creation. Humanity was originally designed to take the raw materials of the earth, along with their God-given creative capacity and fashion them for good, contributing responsibly and meaningfully to the advancement of creation. As the author John Mark Comer beautifully puts it, humanity was designed to help carry the creation project forward.
The Fall
Now we can’t examine the genesis without mentioning the great deception and separation. Yip, we’re talking about the garden, the fruit and the serpent (see Genesis 3). This is where rebellion to God’s instruction entered the story—what we now know as sin. Consequentially, this separated mankind from intimacy with the Creator, and as you might imagine, distorted that original design of identity and purpose. In fact, generations later, we still experience the sting of this distortion. Simply refer to the previous blog and reflect on the ways in which you might relate. You’ve seen the manifestation of brokenness, shame and pain—whether self inflicted or caused by others—and the ways it has shaped your view of your identity and value. Since the fall away, creation began (and continues) to seek identity and meaning apart from the Creator and the world has never been more destructive, chaotic and powerless.
The Return
But God. In His mercy, God sent Jesus to restore humanity to their original design. I’m most certain that we will continue to unpack this in greater depth down the line but if you’re questioning what it means for you today…it’s good news. Literally—it’s the Good News, summarized. (You’re welcome). Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, you are given the opportunity to return to your original design and right standing with God. A life no longer defined by sin but marked by salvation. A life where intimacy with your Creator is restored, where creative capacity, order and dominion are reawakened and available right here, right now!
Sis, you are made in His image and likeness, divinely fashioned and equipped to carry the creation project forward with dominion and prosperity. That is identity. That is purpose. And that’s just the beginning!
Poised & Purposed 