Devotional - April 29, 2026

Scripture: Genesis 1: 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

I wanted to circle back on a few things I glossed over as we reflect on the first creation story.  In the above text, God ponders creating human beings.  Remember, the reasoning for our creation was cited in Genesis 1: 26.  We are created in God's image to rule over creation.  When the image of God is created, it is created in two beings, male and female.  How do we put all of this together?  The dichotomy that represents the image of God and the task of it ruling over creation.  The key to it all is found in the relationships between them all.  We know the creation of God is a vast system that in the end is in perfect harmony.  Scientists have found that since the earth was created, it has retained 99.99% of it's water.  Think about that..!  This fact comes from science, not faith.  It is the product of the efficiency of the overall system of the earth which includes the atmosphere, wildlife, plantlife, and humans. In our creation (humans), God lets us know that God processes God's thoughts through different channels, but in the end harmonizes the information into one action or thought.  God chooses to represent God's likeness in two forms that are different, but equal.  Therefore, it takes some work to work through a problem.  I am sure the complexity of God's mind is far greater than what is created, but the dynamic in which they interact is the focus.  In order for the male and female to rule over what God created, they have to work together.  If they don't, God's creation will overwhelm them.  If they work together and love each other, and God, they will accomplish God's task for them.  If not, ...well, we saw/see where that goes.  The sad thing about their downfall is they already had what the serpent offered (Genesis 3: 4-5) already.  They were already like God, they were created in God's image.  It is when they are separated, conflicted, feeling less-than, that problems arise.  Let that not be us, let's try to honor the differences that arise in our mind and seek to harmonize and resolve our issues with wisdom.  Let us work to work well with others and utilize our differences to our advantage so as to accomplish greater things than we do when separated and conflicted.  To do so, is to make the most of our differences and accomplish God's plan for humanity.

Pray with me.., Holy God, we seek safety by only relating to folks who agree with us.  Help us to see the big picture and allow for differing voices in our lives.  Help us to find ways to create harmony in our lives and the lives around us.  Thank you for this day and the people with which you have blessed our lives.  We ask Your blessing upon them and we ask Your blessing upon our church.  Help us to be the people You call us to be in Jesus name, Amen.

God's peace,

Pastor Brian