Psalm 8 Continued…
One cannot read Psalm 8 without recalling the language and categories of creation in Genesis 1: The heavens and the earth (Psalm 8:1, 9) and finally, humanity, as the culmination of the works of creation (Psalm 8:4-6).
In Genesis these are concluded with God’s deputizing humanity to subdue and rule over creation (Genesis 1:28), something David is keenly aware of (Psalm 8:6). Even though he does not use the term “image” of God, he is conscious of the general concept and seems to allude to it with the words, “You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings…” (Psalm 8:5)
Humanity was made in God’s image, which falls short of Paul’s statement that Christ is “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). To be “in God’s image” is something that carries implications for all of life.
First, we are a reflection of God, but not divine. Second, we are three-dimensionally relational: to God (because we are in His image); to other humans (because we are “male” and “female” and should “increase in number” and “fill the earth” – Genesis 1:27-28); and to the rest of the created order, because we are to “rule” over it.
Being made in God’s image (Latin = “imago dei”) means that humanity has a special place in the created order. No other creature is given this distinction, not even the angels. It means that God’s mark is visible even in the most wretched of creatures. All of us are capable of great evil. But because of the Creator’s signature upon us, we are also able to be redeemed.
This truth, the “imago dei” of humanity, is what makes the sin of abortion at one level, an assault on God’s creation. We cannot remove this from us. We bear His mark upon us, just as we do the graffiti overlay of Adam’s sin, but it hasn’t completely covered over God’s mark.
We are special to Him. And, accordingly, we should be special to each other. Every person with whom you interact is someone that God cares very deeply about and someone who bears His image and thus, has intrinsic value as a result.
PRAY
Heavenly Father, thank you for making us in your image. Help us to treat people in the manner in which every person deserves as someone loved by you who bears your image.