The Apex of
Creation
Genesis 1:26-31
by Paul
George
“Then 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
birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all
the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps
upon the earth. God created man in His own image, in the
image of God created He him; male and female created He
them. God blessed them: and God said to them, Be
fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue
it; and rule over the fish of the sea, and over the
birds of the heavens, and over every living thing that
moves on the earth.”
Adam came into this world on the same day the cattle,
creeping things, and beast of the earth. His body was
made of the same earth as theirs and while he is in the
body, he inhabits the same earth with them. Although he
came into this world on the same day as the cattle, the
creeping things, and beast of the field Adam was more of
a revelation of God’s wisdom and power. He was made in
the image of God and this set him apart from the cattle,
the creeping things, and beast of the field.
Created on the last day
of the days of creation Adam could never claim he had
some part in the creating of the heavens, earth, and
their inhabitants. He will play a major role in history.
He will be the father of the human race. He will be the
first governor of this world. God gave him authority
over what He has created. He will be tested. God has a
greater role for Adam in His purpose for creating the
heavens and the earth. Before he can play that role he
must prove he is capable to fill the role God has for
him in the course of history.
In verse 26 we are told
of a decision that was made in the throne room of God.
The decision to create man was made and enacted.
In verse 27 we are told
what God did. We are not told how He did it. In verse 28
we are told God blessed the first humans on this earth
and what their responsibilities are. They are to be
fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. They
are to rule over the fish of the sea, the birds of the
sky, and every other thing that moves on the earth.
Man’s authority is a granted authority. He is under the
authority of another just as the lower forms of life are
under his authority.
In verse 29 we are told
God provided the provisions for a healthy and productive
life.
In verse 31 we are told
the days of creation come to a close. God saw all He had
did and it was very good. Not just good, but very good.
It was perfect. There were no flaws or defects in what
He did. It was according to His plan for the course of
history in every detail. It was fit for the purpose for
which it was designed, serviceable to man, and revealed
God’s invisible attributes, His eternal power, and
divine nature. It was so perfect nothing could be added
to it or taken from it.
God has set an example we
should follow at the end of the day. Unlike God’s works
our works will not be perfect, without flaws or defects.
We will make mistakes in judgment. What is important is
our motivation in what we did. Flaws, defects, and
mistakes can be corrected. What is important is what we
did was it intended to be a benefit for our fellowman,
and reveal the love of God and not self. God has given
us the ability to do good and He expects us to use that
ability. He has given us the ability to examine our
works and if there is any flaws, defects, or mistakes in
them to correct them and He expects us to use that
ability.
In verse 26 we are told
what God did. We are not told how He did it. We are told
what the responsibilities of Adam and Eve were. We are
told God provided everything Adam and Eve needed to live
a productive life.
God has given us
everything we need to live a productive life and expects
us to use what He has provided wisely. Look at the world
in its present conditions. Why is the world in its
present condition? Is it because God has abandoned us or
we have abandoned God and are not using what God has
provided to live a productive life? Are we ignoring our
responsibilities? The earth is not ours. When God
granted authority over the earth to Adam and Eve He did
not give up His rights of ownership. The title to this
earth is on file in God’s kingdom. We had better be
careful with what God has provided or one of these days
we will receive an eviction notice.
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