In the Image of the Father

"When Adam was 130 years old, he became the father of a son who was just like him—in his very image. He named his son Seth."

Genesis 5:3

Seth was born in the image of his father, Adam ("image" in Hebrew = demut; used also in Gen. 1:26). This statement in verse 3 comes just after verse 1 reiterates the fact that God created human beings in his own image (demut). Even though sin has infected all of life, human beings still bear the image of God, however tarnished that image might be. We are not completely and utterly evil because God's image remains at the core of our being. From our parents, grandparents, and all of our ancestors, we receive an identity that reflects the very image of God, however imperfectly. We long for the day when we might see God as in a mirror, when we will know both God and ourselves fully as we are restored by God's grace (1 Cor. 13:12).

In what ways are you like your parents? What good ways? What not-so-good ways?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, how honored we are to bear your image even now. Yes, that image has been badly tarnished by our ancestry, not to mention our own sin. But we still reflect you in the essence of our created nature. Thank you.

How we yearn for the day when we will once again reflect your image fully, when your whole creation is renewed, including us. In the meanwhile, help us to be more like you, to imitate you as our beloved heavenly Father, and to let your image be glimpsed through us. Amen.