The Beginning of the Story: Reflections on Genesis 1
The beginning of any story is important to lay out the setting, begin the plot, and introduce the main characters. The Bible is no different. The Book of Genesis tells the story of the beginning, not in scientific language, but in Hebrew poetry, recounting the main things we need to know. The Bible does not argue for the existence of God. It assumes it.
We are introduced to the main character in Genesis 1: God. This Creator God is introduced as an artist. We get to see His workmanship in all creation. The Psalmist says:
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands. [1]
But we find ourselves in this story as well. Though it is not ultimately about us, we find that humanity has great value and dignity in the story. We are also given a purpose.
Our Identity: Imago Dei
God created people (male and female) in His own image (Gen. 1:27), sometimes referred to as the Imago Dei. Theologians speculate about what it means to be made in God’s image – perhaps the fact that we are moral, spiritual, relational, rational creatures – but the consensus is that we are given great worth. Every person in the world has value because everyone is created in God’s image. We are all God’s children by creation, even if we are not all God’s children by redemption. There are no unimportant, insignificant people.
Our Purpose: Responsible Stewardship
From the beginning, God entrusts the stewardship of His creation to human beings. We were called to exercise responsible dominion and caring leadership in the world. People are appointed to be God’s vice-regents throughout creation and spread His glory to all places.
Do you ever feel that ache? Do you ever have those longings, the “echoes of Eden” reverberating in your soul? You know, a place of perfect harmony and shalom that has been lost? As we move along God’s Unfolding Story, we find out what went wrong; but we also anticipate an ending that is even more glorious than the beginning.
But for now we discover some important things at the outset. God is Creator of all and is the only One worthy of worship. All other created things cannot fill our hearts or be worthy of our worship. People – you and me – have an important role in this story. We don’t have to wonder about our value and worth. God has bestowed that on us. We don’t have to be concerned about our purpose. God has given us meaningful responsibility to work in this world for His purposes.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him? [2]