Creation Calls: Part 3 - 'In God's Image'

Genesis 1:26-28
26 Then God said, “Let us make humans in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over the cattle and over all the wild animals of the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”

27 So God created humans in his image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

28 God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” 


Matthew 20:24-28 
24 When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. 25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 

Prayer and Reflection:
Father God, forgive us for when we have taken your incredible and beautiful creation for granted. We are sorry for the times we have mistreated the world, the animals and plants within it, desecrated your beautiful lands and oceans. Show us a better way and strengthen us to be better stewards, as we exercise the dominion you have given us. Help us Lord Jesus to be servant-leaders in this, using the privilege and authority you have given us wisely and well, to your glory. Amen.



Questions to Consider

1. Given how special the universe is, and how ‘odd’ the earth is in having life on it, do you think that humans – including you – have an extraordinary privilege and responsibility? What will you do with it?
2. What do you make of the idea of having dominion over the earth? How do you think that should look for us… and how well do you do personally in caring for God’s creation?
3. What small changes might you make to be a better steward of creation?
4. What might you do this week as a step in the right direction, when it comes to your stewardship of the earth and all that is in it?
5. If humankind is the pinnacle of God’s creation, how should this affect the way we treat one another?
6. Are there any people to whom you owe an apology for how you have treated them?
7. Who is in your circle of influence and what little changes might you make to encourage and care for them a bit better?