June 2, 2020
Genesis 1:25-2:4 … “So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” vs. 27
According to Genesis 1, humankind is the crown of creation; we only show up when everything else has been done, and, more than that, we’re the only ones created in the image of God. It’s not surprising that the Hebrews wrote in this way. All the ancient storytellers put themselves in the center of their creation accounts. Even today most people have no difficulty believing that everything exists for the use and benefit of humans. What’s different in Genesis is the conviction that we are the ones commissioned as caretakers for the earth. We are God’s sentient presence within creation, and through us God continues to act creatively to preserve and protect all that exists. Sadly, those created to take care of the earth have more frequently acted like schoolyard bullies. For us it’s a power game, the “survival of the fittest,” as one of our catch-phrases describes it, and we play the game relentlessly. But regardless of what biologists might say, we don’t have to behave this way. We can be the good guys! In fact, as Genesis puts it, we can be “very good,” and show the universe that God’s DNA flows in our veins. We can treat the world with respect and kindness, tending and nourishing, exactly as we have been programmed to do. And when that happens, all the creatures will surely rejoice and sing!
Thought for the Day: How’s my tending and nourishing going?
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