Devotionals for September 10, 2024
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READ
Genesis 1:26-28
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply.”
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply.”
REFLECT
At the end of our worship service on Sundays, our pastor issues a benediction - this is a declaration of blessing upon the people of God as we go forth into the word. This practice finds its roots throughout scripture, and today’s passage is the very first of those roots. Immediately after creating man and woman, God issues a benediction to “be FRUITFUL and multiply.” He essentially sends Adam and Eve into the garden with a directive - be abundantly productive. Be efficient. Be resourceful.
Have you ever passed by (or worked on) a farm that has used GPS on a tractor to till and plant row crops? The precise lines and efficient use of land are astounding. Far from the ox-drawn yoke that produced meandering rows and unproductive patches, this use of technology amplifies the productive capacity of the work - it’s fruitful!
This is a picture of God’s call on our lives as image bearers - we are called to figure out how to use tools to maximize our productive capacity in the world.
Have you ever passed by (or worked on) a farm that has used GPS on a tractor to till and plant row crops? The precise lines and efficient use of land are astounding. Far from the ox-drawn yoke that produced meandering rows and unproductive patches, this use of technology amplifies the productive capacity of the work - it’s fruitful!
This is a picture of God’s call on our lives as image bearers - we are called to figure out how to use tools to maximize our productive capacity in the world.
APPLY
Q: According to this passage, where do humans sit in the hierarchy of the animal kingdom?
Q: How does understanding God’s call to be fruitful impact your understanding of your role vocationally? As a parent? As a child? As a student?
Q: Is there someone in your life that is struggling to find meaning in their work? Would sharing this passage with them be a possible encouragement?
Q: How does understanding God’s call to be fruitful impact your understanding of your role vocationally? As a parent? As a child? As a student?
Q: Is there someone in your life that is struggling to find meaning in their work? Would sharing this passage with them be a possible encouragement?
SING
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Lord, your creative work was fruitful. Your call on us to bear your image is clear. Give us the grace to be fruitful in the work of our hands, whatever that might be.
Lord, your creative work was fruitful. Your call on us to bear your image is clear. Give us the grace to be fruitful in the work of our hands, whatever that might be.