Pristine Community of Creation
Scripture Reading — Genesis 1:26-27
God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
At first, however, Adam was alone, and God said that was “not good” (Genesis 2:18). Adam needed a companion, someone with whom to share the path of life. Without a companion, he could not image God fully.
So God created woman and thus made a community of human beings who would reflect the triune God.
To image God is to be in relationship with God and with fellow human beings. Author Hans Reinders calls the image of God the “gift of friendship.” God created humankind in God’s image: male and female, people in relationship with one another.
The interdependence of one human with another and their dependence on God are part of the pristine creation God made. God’s intent was that humans so love one another, so devote themselves to one another, so serve and be served by one another that they are unique individuals as well as a loving community. Sadly, Adam and Eve’s unspoiled community didn’t last, but God wasn’t finished with us yet!
Triune God, thank you for not leaving Adam by himself. Thank you for creating humans as a community. Thank you for your gift of friendship, which we enjoy with you and with each other. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Mark Stephenson
Rev. Mark Stephenson is the Director of Disability Concerns for the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Previously he served in two congregations in Michigan. He and his wife have four children.
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