26 Then God said, “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock of all the earth, and all the crawling things on earth.”
27 God created humanity in God’s own image in the divine image God created them, male and female God created them.
Reflection
I have been a confirmation mentor for several years here at MUMC and it has been a very rewarding experience. I hope that the youth who have taken part in confirmation have learned as much from me as I have from them. Preparing to lead discussions with youth about deep theological topics like scripture, prayer, sacraments, sin, and grace has challenged me to dive deeper into these topics and to strengthen my own knowledge and understanding. Also, many of the profound and thoughtful questions I have been asked by youth over the years has helped me grow in my faith.
This past week I led a discussion with this year’s confirmation class on the Image of God and how scripture tells us we each have been created in God’s image. Therefore, we are all a reflection of God’s image in this world and are all called to continue God’s work in this world. I shared with the group that one of the greatest mysteries of faith for me has been trying to understand and get a clear picture in my mind of what God looks like. Is God male or female? What is God’s race? Is God’s physical appearance that of an older person or a younger person? Does God even have a body? As I shared with the confirmation group, the more I think about these questions, the harder it is for me clearly picture in my mind what God looks like. Maybe that is because if we all reflect God’s image and we all have our own unique characteristics, understanding the full infinite image of God is not something I can comprehend with my finite human mind. However, this and all the mysteries of faith are things that I never want to stop thinking about and trying to understand better. To fully live into the call that God has given us we must continue to seek and learn about the infinite and beautiful mystery that is God.
by Manny Estevez
For Pondering and Prayer
What is God calling you to learn more about now so that you can more clearly reflect the Image of God to the world and continue the work God has given you to do?
Prayer: Mysterious and familiar God, we pray that you may grant us the wisdom and understanding we need so that we can clearly reflect your image in this world and continue the work you have given us to do. We also pray that you may give us the curiosity and desire to never stop seeking and learning more about your infinite beauty, love, and grace. In the glorious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
