In God’s image
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:22-23 (ESV)
We recently experienced the mountain top glory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ; the salvation of all mankind. The love of God expressed. The door to heaven has been opened wide and we now await the expression of God’s love, Jesus, to come again at the end of the age. We experienced an adrenalin rush with our worship and praise services, and now the waiting begins again. If you are like me, it is a letdown. We want the glory and excitement to continue on, but we know we must wait for the wonderful things God has arranged for us to continue on to our completion; and so we groan inwardly as mentioned in our headers scripture.
In Genesis 1:26 God said: ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…’ and the process is still ongoing. It is more than a physical likeness; it is also one in character and spirit. I cannot say I am God’s complete image as yet, but I know that God is still in that process because perfection is still not in me, God is still not finished with me yet. I wish it were so, I groan inwardly longing for the day, and yet I am grateful because I know that God will complete in me what he has started. That process is secured in me and you by the blood of Jesus Christ.
It is like the planting of seeds. The seed was secured, planted in the ground and watered. It has begun to spout by the miracle of God, but it still needs to grow into the maturity in which it is longed for. It is a waiting period, but one looked forward to because the wait is well worth it. We as well await the process to be completed in all mankind; for those past and present, and those who are yet to come. I do not begin to understand it all, but I know who holds us in his hands, and we are safely held by him.
God helps us in this growth process, the Spirit teaches us how to pray (v.26), searching our hearts and interceding for us (v.27), and continues to work for our good (v.28). God has not left us alone in this period of what seems like silence, he is right here with us and working alongside us ensuring our maturity into the image of God. I eagerly wait for the wonderful and marvellous things that God has in store for us.
How glorious it is to know that God is our creator, but it is so much more than this, God is our Father, the one who loves us and is dedicated to us. He is the perfect example to us of what a loving Father is (1 John 3:1). We are his beloved children, just as Jesus is, and God is proud of us despite our failures and our weaknesses. Because God loves us, he has concern for us and is in the process of making us into his perfect image. God loves us through this process and is continually by our side as we journey along with him into the glorious future he has for us.
Prayer
How precious it is to know that you love us so much God. What a privilege it is to know you and to know you love us. May we please you as your children who seek you and seek to live out this reality. We are blessed beyond measure. We have all we need in you God.! In Jesus, we praise you, Amen.
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Study by: Anne Gillam About the author: |
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