The Image of God: Part 2
First published September 16, 2009
Genesis 1:27
And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
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Recently I heard family friend Tim Martin speak at a conference. He used an interesting analogy for us understanding a particular Bible concept. He first showed us a color map of the United States. We all recognized it and could identify where we were, Ohio. The map was true and we could use it, but it was not complete. The next map we saw was a topographical map. In some ways it was a better map than the previous one, but it also was incomplete. The next maps Tim showed were a population density map and a geological map. Together the maps gave a good image of the United State, but still, there is more missing.
I’d like to use the same illustration, but for understanding God’s image. Skeptics like to challenge Christians about the existence of God. We can’t see Him with our eyes. We can’t touch him with our hands. We can’t hear Him with our ears. So we can’t form an image of Him. How is it then true that Christians have confidence of His existence? How can we say we know what and who God is? Just as in Tim’s analogy, we do have different indicators of evidence of God.
Through the scriptures we are able to know God’s traits and how we may be like him as well as see what He has done in the past. Through His creation we see the splendor of God’s craftsmanship, from the breathtaking sights like volcanoes and glaciers, to the wonderment of the birth of a baby. Thirdly, we may know God through the communication, blessings, and trials in our own life. Separately, the indicators are good, but together, they are much better. So, through prayer and active observation we may come to have a better image of our creator and understand Him.
Well then, this understanding will not drop upon us in a flash. We must study the Bible. We must observe and acknowledge His creation. We must pray and communicate with God. We must do these consistently. Then, as we experience our life, we may form an accurate image of God.
**** ****
I want to have a clearer image of you, Lord. I pray I will be diligent in studying your Word, in observing your creation, and in keeping lines of communication open. Thank you. Amen.
Copyright 2009 by Karen Vaughn
Genesis 1:27
And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
**** ****
Recently I heard family friend Tim Martin speak at a conference. He used an interesting analogy for us understanding a particular Bible concept. He first showed us a color map of the United States. We all recognized it and could identify where we were, Ohio. The map was true and we could use it, but it was not complete. The next map we saw was a topographical map. In some ways it was a better map than the previous one, but it also was incomplete. The next maps Tim showed were a population density map and a geological map. Together the maps gave a good image of the United State, but still, there is more missing.
I’d like to use the same illustration, but for understanding God’s image. Skeptics like to challenge Christians about the existence of God. We can’t see Him with our eyes. We can’t touch him with our hands. We can’t hear Him with our ears. So we can’t form an image of Him. How is it then true that Christians have confidence of His existence? How can we say we know what and who God is? Just as in Tim’s analogy, we do have different indicators of evidence of God.
Through the scriptures we are able to know God’s traits and how we may be like him as well as see what He has done in the past. Through His creation we see the splendor of God’s craftsmanship, from the breathtaking sights like volcanoes and glaciers, to the wonderment of the birth of a baby. Thirdly, we may know God through the communication, blessings, and trials in our own life. Separately, the indicators are good, but together, they are much better. So, through prayer and active observation we may come to have a better image of our creator and understand Him.
Well then, this understanding will not drop upon us in a flash. We must study the Bible. We must observe and acknowledge His creation. We must pray and communicate with God. We must do these consistently. Then, as we experience our life, we may form an accurate image of God.
**** ****
I want to have a clearer image of you, Lord. I pray I will be diligent in studying your Word, in observing your creation, and in keeping lines of communication open. Thank you. Amen.
Copyright 2009 by Karen Vaughn
posted by Karen Vaughn | 8:05 PM
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