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THIS IS GOOD

We are formed in God’s image, and empowered by the Spirit. How does this shape our discipleship? How do we live up to the responsibility of being created in the image of God?

NOTE: We need to remember that the biblical writers did not understand that Earth orbits the Sun. The attached image (see above) is an attempt to portray the worldview described in the passage from Genesis 1.

Scripture Readings (Click on link to read on Bible Gateway)

In the beginning, God expressed delight in creation and declared it “very good.” On this Trinity Sunday, the readings invite us to explore and celebrate the many ways God is revealed in and through continuing relationships within this good creation. God entrusts remarkable potential to all that is created. New beginnings emerge as the community of creation lives into such promise.

Focus Scripture: Genesis 1:1 to 2:4a

This narrative probably was written down in the sixth century BCE, when the Hebrew exiles were in Babylon. The captors likely told the exiles how their Babylonian gods controlled the future. This account emerged as an assertion of God’s primacy. All things came to be through God, who shaped the past and holds the present and the future. This foundational story is a theological affirmation, not a scientific explanation. It was a source of hope for the Hebrew exiles and remains good news for God’s people today. God has a special relationship with the community of creation and will not abandon it.

In ancient times, the world was viewed as tracts of land held up from the surrounding waters by pillars. This was covered by a dome-shaped sky that separated the heavens from the earth. The orderly account in Genesis 1 reflects this understanding.

The Hebrew verb translated “create” is used only to speak of divine activity. Bible scholars have translated Genesis 1:1 in different ways: “In the beginning when God created”; “In the beginning, God created”; “When God began to create.” The nuances in meaning speak to an ongoing striving to understand God’s relationship with creation. In Jewish tradition, retelling scripture’s story enables listeners to enter that story as if it were ongoing. In entering this account of creation, we engage God’s ongoing and creative activity.

Human beings are created “in the image of God” (1:27). Is being “in the image of God” a special characteristic of human beings or is it a description of a role human beings are to play in creation? Many modern scholars suggest the latter; God has entrusted humankind to be the image of God for the sake of Creation.

The meaning of “dominion” (1:28) has generated debate for centuries. The Hebrew word translated here is a strong one, suggesting “rule” or “authority.” So, what is humankind to do,– exploit or act as steward? God’s own dominion exhibits itself in compassion and grace-filled relationships. Hebrew prophets spoke harsh words against kings who exploited their dominion. In the tradition of scripture, human dominion is measured against the nature of God’s dominion.

God’s blesses all the members of the community of creation. God also blesses the seventh day (2:2) with Sabbath. Sabbath is a reminder that the gift of rest is an opportunity to celebrate God’s creating and saving love.

Psalm 8 is a worshipful celebration of praise for God’s creation. The psalmist rejoices in the Creator’s generosity and reflects on the meaning of being made in God’s image.

In Second Corinthians 13:11-13, Paul closes the letter with an appeal for ordered life and peace that echoes the creation. The blessing in verse 13 invites connections to the celebration of Trinity Sunday.

In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus bestows authority upon followers to carry the good news
of God’s love to all places. The promise in verse 20 asserts that Jesus is the assurance that God will not abandon the community of creation.

God’s very goodness and nature are revealed in and through God’s relationships with the created community. God continues to call; all members of this community continue to respond. What seems to be God’s hope and purpose for you and your church as you journey into the future with this community of creation? How does this community help you grasp the responsibility of being created in the image of God?

REFLECTION

Creating God, come among us and help us find delight in the wonder of your love and the goodness of your creation. Breathe your Spirit into us, that we might reflect your image in all we say and do this day and all days. Amen.

 

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