What does it mean to you to be an image bearer of the Divine? Or…
Have you ever considered what it means to be created in the image of the Creator? (Gen. 1:26-27)
Does this make a difference in how we treat other image bearers?
A favorite Carolyn Arends song, “Who you are” starts out with the words, “Built from clay and breath of God…” We challenge you to give a listen, paying close attention to the lyrics and think about how this changes the way you approach life today. Think about how it makes a difference to bear not only His image, but His Name!
In my (Mark’s) Wednesday morning A+ Team men’s study group, we have turned our attention to the Minor Prophet “Micah” to discover that his very name means “who is a God like You”. (Commentary on Micah by Bruce K. Walke) In fact, the prophet goes on to describe what that means in 7:18(NLT) that starts with a play on words including his own name. “Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.” Then Micah concludes, “Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.”(7:19-20)
What would happen whenever Micah introduced himself? After all, he is the prophet who will say of himself, “But as for me, I am filled with power—with the Spirit of the LORD. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel’s sin and rebellion. Listen to me, you leaders of Israel! You hate justice and twist all that is right.”(3:8-9) What a bold, straightforward statement, telling it like it is!
When his very name carried a question of such significance, would that have made a difference in the way Micah lived? If we are going to live in a way that honors the very One whose image we bear, whose Spirit dwells within us, who has given us life and breath and everything, we must live in a way that brings glory to the King. This will make a difference it the way we think about and treat other image bearers. It means we must be shining examples of lives that are forgiving, compassionate and faithful to a fault, taking a stand for justice, loving without condition, looking like the One who made us. Let’s encourage one another as we live on mission for Him!