5TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. 

In ancient times, a king would often place statues of himself around his kingdom. These images acted as visual reminders, both to his people and to foreign powers. They said, in effect, “This area is under my protection, and I will do whatever is necessary to care for and defend my subjects.”

In a similar way, when God created us in his image and likeness, it was as if he was placing his image all over his kingdom as well. We are living, visible representations not only of God’s kingdom on earth but of the protection he provides against the forces of evil.

Of course, God didn’t envision that we would act as warning signs against each other the way kings warned other monarchs to leave their realms alone. Rather, we act as warnings to our common enemy, the devil. When we grow into our heritage as the image and likeness of God, we also stand taller against the devil’s schemes. We tell him, “This world and all its people—they are protected. You have no place here.”

This is the role that friends, parents, and grandparents can play in the world. As the image of God, they stand against the devil’s subtle attempts to influence their friends, their children, and their grandchildren. This doesn’t necessarily depend on any specific actions we take. What’s most important is that we keep pressing in to know Jesus more so that he can shape us more into his likeness—like the way a statue is made from a mold. There’s nothing more terrifying to the devil than the sight of men and women living in their dignity as children of God.

Today, think about how God has intentionally made you in his image and placed you in your corner of the world to represent him and to protect his kingdom. He knows you can make a difference, just by being who you were called to be—his son or daughter. And just as he delights in all of his creation, he delights in you and the role you play in defending his people.

“Father, help me learn to look and act more like you every day in order to better protect and care for your children.”

Psalm 8:4-9
Mark 7:1-13
Genesis 1:20-2:4

WORD AMONG US