Portions of this psalm 8 verses 4 to 6 are quoted in the New Testament and applied to Christ in 1 Corinthians 15:27 and Hebrews 2: 6-8.
1 Corinthians 15:27: For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ.
Hebrews 2: 6-8: [6] But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? [7] You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honour [8] and put everything under their feet.” In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.
In the person of Jesus, God became human – “lower than God” as per Psalm 8:5 – and he will raise all who belong to him when he comes to reign over the new heaven and new earth. Jesus is the only person who perfectly reflects God’s image according to Colossians 1:15, which says that “the Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation”.
When we look at the vast expanse of creation, we wonder how God could show concern for people who constantly disappoint him. Yet God created us only a little lower than himself and the angels! The next time you question your worth as a person, remember that God considers you highly valuable. We have great worth because we bear the stamp of the Creator.
And Genesis 1:26-27 proves that for the extent of worth God has placed on all people which says, [26] then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” [27] So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Because God has already declared how valuable we are to him, we can be set free from feelings of worthlessness.
Why does God use the plural form – “Let us make human beings in our image”? One view is that this is a reference to the Trinity – God the Father, Jesus Christ his Son, and the Holy Spirit, all of whom are God. Another view is that the plural wording is used to denote majesty; kings have traditionally used the plural form in speaking of themselves.
The grammar doesn’t decide the matter for us, but in either case it is God who created humans in his image, and God has revealed himself to us as a Trinity clearly through the whole of Scripture. And we do know that God’s Spirit was present in the Creation, we also know that Christ, God’s Son, was at work in the Creation.
In what ways are we made in God’s image? God obviously did not create us exactly like himself because God has no physical body. Instead, we are reflections of God’s glory and character. Some feel that our reason, creativity, moral capacity, speech, or self-determination is the image of God. More likely, “the image of God” describes our entire self, not just one part of us. We will never be totally like God because he is our supreme creator. But we do have the ability to reflect his character in our love, patience, forgiveness, kindness, and faithfulness.
Knowing that we are made in God’s image and thus share many of his characteristics provides a solid basis for self-worth. Human worth is not based on possessions, achievements, physical attractiveness, or public acclaim. Instead, it is based on being made in God’s image, which gives us an unshakeable reason to feel positive about ourselves. Knowing that you are a person of worth helps you love God, know him personally, and treat others as his image bearers.
God made both man and woman in his image. Neither one is made more in the image of God than the other. From the beginning the Bible places both man and woman at the pinnacle of God’s creation. Neither gender is exalted over the other, and neither is depreciated. Our identity is given to us by God. It is not defined by culture, experience, or environment; he has the prior claim to us. Thus he is Lord of our gender and sexuality.
To respect God’s majesty, we must compare ourselves to his greatness. When we look at creation, which reflects the Creator in amazing ways, we often feel small by comparison. This is a healthy way to get back to reality, but God does not want us to dwell on our smallness. Humility means proper respect for God, not self-deprecation.
God gave human beings tremendous authority, to be in charge of the whole earth. But with great authority comes great responsibility. If we adopt a pet or plant a garden or buy a plot of land, we have the authority to do with it as we wish, but we also have the responsibility to care for it. How do you treat God’s creation? Use your resources wisely because God holds you accountable as a steward of his creation
God put Jesus in charge of everything, and Jesus revealed himself to us. We do not yet see Jesus reigning on earth, but we can picture him in his heavenly glory. When you are confused by present events and anxious about the future, remember Jesus’ true position and authority. As Lord of all, who will one day rule on earth as he does now in heaven, he can be counted on to give you safety, protection, stability and insight regarding your daily decisions you make in every path of live. Amen.
God Bless you all.
N Noel
