Image Bearers
Genesis 9:6 (NIV)
“Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.” Genesis 9:6 (NIV)
Life is a precious and priceless commodity. Our world is characterised by a casual attitude toward death. We live in a world where acts of violence are commonplace. In today’s Scripture, we are reminded of Who created us and in Whose image we are all created. ‘The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses’ by C.S. Lewis confirms this by stating, “There are no ordinary people, there are no mere mortals…” This quote and the Scripture underscore the importance of each individual, regardless of our status. This importance in human life was further clarified and defined in Matthew 5:21-22, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’* is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
Thus, it is no longer just the outward manifestation of envy and bitterness that is under scrutiny, but now we must examine our thoughts and intangible actions as well. We have assaulted human life at some time, so when we read the command, do not murder, and think that we are exempt from it, we should consider Matthew 5:22. Anyone who says, “Raca”, or “you fool”, compromises how God views His creation. We are therefore reminded to treat others with the utmost respect and to remember that we bear God’s image. Walk in that image today, and be the example for your generations to come.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray for Your forgiveness where I erred in disrespecting Your creation. Let Your love fill my heart today as I remember, I also bear Your image. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
Read: Genesis 9:1 – 7; Exodus 20
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 86:11-17; Romans 4:16-25; Romans 5:1-11; Amos 6
NOTE: * ‘Raca’ means emptiness of head or stupid.
#imagebearers#murder.#commandment#imageofGod
