The Image of God!

So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female He created them (Genesis 1:27).

Moses tells us that human beings are a special part of God’s creation.

God created us in His own image, “in the image of God (tzelem Elohim)”. The Hebrew word for “image” is (tzelem) and connects to another Hebrew word (tzel) meaning “Shadow.”

A shadow appears when light falls upon us. According to Holy Scripture humans are created in God’s image, a shadow or figure of God. God’s presence and light (Shekinah) overshadowed Adam as He “Kissed” or breathed into his nostrils. As God breathed the breath of life into Adam His divine presence did cast a shadow.

Human beings (though flawed by sin) reflect or shadow God’s beauty, and holiness. Augustine stated, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in every person that only Christ can fill”. This being true a human being will only find completeness and peace, by trusting and putting their eternal future in Messiah Jesus.

Another word joins with the Hebrew word for “image” – the name Bezalel who was the person chosen by God to create the Tabernacle (Exodus 31). Bezalel means “in the shadow of God.” The tabernacle made it possible for anyone to come near to God – it provided a very special connection to the divine.

When we come near to God, and worship Him, we are in His very presence, in His shadow, and under His wings, which is a reference to the Shekinah, the Divine Presence of God (Psalm 91:1 – 4).

Points to Ponder:

Believers rest in His “shadow, under His wings” caused by the light of his glory (Shekinah) for God protects them (Psalm 91:1, 4).

Believers are secure in the “Shadow,” caused by the light/glory (Shekinah) of the Almighty, and are protected as God will never abandon His children.

Believers have peace, and assurance that God can be known, and is known.

Believers have been accepted in the Beloved.  (Ephesians 1:5 – 7).

These truths are humbling. We do not deserve God’s mercy – He doesn’t owe us anything.

Nevertheless, through His love, mercy and grace, God makes it possible for anyone to come near to Him in a personal relationship through the blood of Messiah Jesus – “To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:6, 7).

Shalom and Blessings,

Dr. Jeff

Time is short, Life is precious, and Jesus is coming soon!