”Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
Genesis 1:26New International Version (NIV)
Genesis 1:26 Devotional
Made to rule
Genesis 1:26 says that we were made to rule and recognizes that God created man to rule over His creation. In fact, there is no creation that is without purpose, man included (creation always has a purpose).
For example, the motor vehicle was invented to make transportation easier. Its creator created it with this purpose in mind.
Likewise, we humans, are God’s masterpiece (greatest accomplishment – Ephesians 2:10), created in His image, to rule (dominate or control or have authority over) His creation (Psalm 8:6). He created us in His image (likeness) to rule over the rest of His creation.
This, therefore, makes man the principal part of God’s creation. For his sake, the world, and all things in it were made. And when God finished creating, He introduced the man to it as something like a house prepared and furnished just for him.
However, after Adam’s sin, man’s dominion lost its God-given purpose. The man couldn’t rule as God had purposed. He had interfered with his nature of being in God’s likeness.
Thankfully, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross reversed that state of affairs. Thus, by accepting Jesus Christ’s Lordship over you, you experience complete restoration including the opportunity/responsibility to rule (dominate) as God purposed for you in the beginning.
So when God restores you, you will be able to reign with Him. You will be used by Him in His kingdom according to His divine purpose.
Otherwise, you will be restless, confused, or not fulfilled. This is because you will not be living in line with God’s purpose for creating you.
Prayer
Lord, I thank You for Your love that made a way to dominate again through Christ. Lead me to be a better steward in the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Blessing
Manifest your rulership over creation in and through Christ. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Ezekiel 40-42 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
