Genesis 1:24-26 – Imago Dei – Man in God’s image

Now we enter into the sixth day of creation. On this day, we know that God created the land animals before He created man, the crown of His creation. When God created animals to occupy the land, He again brought fourth different species. Cattle was specially mentioned. But there were other species created as well. They came in all kinds - both that would stand on their feet and all that would crawl and creep. Everything God made was exactly as He wanted it. And God was satisfied as He looked at them. For all that He saw, He knew it was indeed good. There is not much to discuss concerning animals. But we appreciate the animals for their contribution to the meaning of life. Some are useful for farming and agricultural work. Many are lovable and are good for pets that would keep man from being lonely. We all have heard of stories of how some animals are faithful friends to their human masters, to assist them in their handicap. Yes, animals are part of God’s creation to make life colorful and fulfilling. When we come to the creation of man, we see a mark difference. God’s intention becomes very visible, He did not say this of the creation of animals. We can surmise that the whole drift of this creation story is to bring us to this point. That human kind is the ultimate pride and object of God’s creation. God made His intention known. He revealed that He was going to replicate Himself in man and enable His crown creation, made in His image and likeness, to have the capacity to act on His behalf and rule the world.  

As we contemplate from verse 26 onward, we get a hint that in the Eternal Council of God, there is more than one person. Even here we get a hint that this Creator God is plural. Since the plural pronoun “Our” is used, we know that the Eternal Council constituted more than one person. Let’s venture a guess as to who would be in the council. In corroboration with parts of the Bible and what we said earlier in Genesis 1:1-5, we believe that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit must be in that council. Here we can see unity and harmony in the Eternal Godhead. Verse 26 suggests that a discussion had taken placed. The plan was to make man in the image and likeness of God. The phrase, “Let us make…” tell us that divine will and pleasure were involved. The word “let” suggests will and intention and personal pleasure. So God intentionally made us man to be like Him, and for His purpose and pleasure. What a privilege! Man, God’s crown creation, was made in the likeness and image of God! Man was designed with the capability to think, feel and act as God would. We are made to serve God’s purpose and for His pleasure. What a creature! Let’s never behave and act in a way that would lower the dignity of the image of our high and magnificent God! Let’s live to please and honor Him.   

Verse 26 also shows us another intention of God for the creation of man, who would be created with the capacity to act as God Himself would. His intention was for man to rule and have dominion over His created order. Man was to be able to control the creatures of the sea, air, land, and all of earth and the creepy things. To rule the creatures of sea, air and land, man must have the wisdom and capacity to find a way to control the habitat. God’s intention was for man to have that unique capability to do so. What a thought! Man, created in the image of God, has this God-given capability in order to do all that God requires him to do.

The fallen man forfeited this privilege. But in Christ all will ultimately be restored. So Paul prayed for Christians to have the unique power to live for Christ in his letter to the Ephesians. He suggests that God’s power is available for us in Christ. We must learn to tap into that power and live the glorious God-intended life. Here’s what Paul said in Ephesians 1:18-21, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”  Praise God! We are the crown of God’s creation. We bear the image of God, or in Latin “Imago Dei.”