Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.
—Genesis 1:26-31

~~~~~

“Meant for the Kingdom”
By Jennifer Kane

Before the mountains bowed to Your command,
before the stars stitched patterns in the sky,
You knew me.

In the secret place, You formed me—
knitting bones, shaping dreams,
with eternity in Your eyes.

You called me to Your Kingdom,
a realm where light never fades,
where joy is the song of the redeemed.

“It is very good,” You said,
not just the world You spoke into being,
but me—
crafted for Your glory,
invited into Your reign.

Before my first breath,
You set me apart—
not for this fleeting life,
but for the Kingdom that endures forever.

You saw my unformed body,
knew every thought,
and held each moment in Your hands.
You whispered, “You are mine,
called for My purpose,
made to walk in My light.”

Your Kingdom is my inheritance,
prepared before the foundations of the earth.
Even when I faltered,
Your love never wavered,
always drawing me home.

You made me in Your image,
a spark of eternity in fragile clay,
with dominion to reflect Your rule.

In the garden of Your Kingdom,
You planted me,
called me good,
and wove my days into Your perfect design.

You knew me before I knew myself—
my thoughts, my failings,
the questions I dared not speak.
Still, You declared,
“This one is mine,
destined for My Kingdom of peace.”

From everlasting to everlasting,
Your desire for me remains.
I am seen, loved,
and invited to Your eternal reign.

The heavens declare Your majesty,
yet You saw more—
a child,
destined to dwell in Your courts.

You shaped me for Your Kingdom,
etched eternity into my being.
In the quiet of the womb,
Your Spirit hovered,
breathing life and purpose.

“It is very good,” You said,
not just the earth and sky,
but the child You formed,
loved,
and called to reign with You.

Even when I turned away,
You pursued me,
calling me back to the place
You had always prepared—
Your Kingdom,
where love reigns
and life never ends.

~~~~~

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-31, Psalm 139, Matthew 6:33

Genesis 1:26-31 reveals the foundational truth of humanity’s identity and purpose: we are made in the image of God. This unique designation sets us apart from all other creation, gifting us with personality, morality, and spirituality. Through these attributes, we can commune with God and live as stewards of His creation.

Psalm 139 beautifully complements this truth by emphasizing God’s intimate knowledge of us. Long before we drew our first breath, He saw our unformed bodies and planned our days (Psalm 139:16). The same God who declared His creation “very good” in Genesis intricately formed each of us with purpose and love. We are not random accidents of nature but are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), destined to participate in God’s eternal Kingdom.

Being made in His likeness calls us to reflect His character in how we care for the world, relate to one another, and seek His Kingdom above all. Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Our first calling is to align our lives with God’s Kingdom purposes.

Psalm 139 also reminds us that God’s eternal perspective extends beyond our individual lives. We are part of His larger plan—a Kingdom that He has been building since the foundation of the world. Just as He entrusted Adam and Eve with dominion over creation, He entrusts us with the responsibility of building and stewarding His Kingdom on earth through our faith and actions.

Take time daily to align your goals with God’s eternal purposes. Are you prioritizing His Kingdom in your decisions, relationships, and time?

As His image-bearer, demonstrate God’s character—His love, justice, and mercy—in your interactions and stewardship of resources.

Follow the example of the early church in Acts 2:42 by dedicating time to study God’s Word, pray with others, and build meaningful connections within your faith community.

Consider how you can care for the environment and the resources God has entrusted to you. Dominion comes with responsibility, calling us to act wisely and with gratitude.

Write down three ways you can reflect God’s image in your daily life. This could be through acts of kindness, being a peacemaker in conflicts, or showing care for creation. Commit to practicing these this week.

~~~~~

Heavenly Father, Thank You for creating me in Your image, breathing life into me, and entrusting me with the incredible privilege of stewarding Your creation. You have called me to reflect Your love, righteousness, and mercy in this world, and I long to honor that calling.

Teach me to seek first Your Kingdom and Your will above all else. Align my heart with Your purposes, and guide my steps so that my life points to Your glory. Strengthen me to live out my faith boldly, to care for others with compassion, and to steward the earth with wisdom and gratitude.

Lord, when I falter, remind me of Your unchanging love and the grace that draws me back to You. Help me walk in the light of Your truth, knowing that I am deeply loved and purposefully made.

May Your Spirit empower me to reflect Your image in my decisions, relationships, and actions. Let my life be a testimony of Your goodness, pointing others toward the hope and joy found in Your eternal Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

December 15 2024