From the beginning, God meant for us, made in his image, to multiply and “reign,” partnering with him in loving oversight of his newly born, marvelous creation. (Genesis 1:26) Adam and Even enjoyed sweet fellowship with their Creator and his creatures. Then came the fateful day when the two fell for the evil serpent’s deception and God’s righteous judgment expelled them from
their paradise into a world in chaos.
Multiplied wickedness, destruction, and abuse perverted the Creator’s original mandate to man. Evil went from bad to worse until God regretted making man and destroyed all living things Only righteous Noah, his family, and a boatload of creatures were spared.
Enter Jesus, Son of God. Though sin came through the first man, Adam, Jesus, came in the guise of human flesh to take away our sin. (Romans 5:18) He took the judgment that should have been ours and died the death that we deserved, ending forever the separation between God and man for anyone willing to accept his gift of salvation. That gift renews hearts and minds. It resurrects us from the deadness of our godless lives so Christ can be the firstborn among many destined to be transformed into godliness. (Romans 8:29)
After his resurrection, as Jesus prepared to return to heaven, he gave one, final command to his disciples: “Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19 NLT)
By these words, Jesus brought back the ancient mandate to multiply and reign. (2 Timothy 2:11-12a) His “Great Commission” encompasses the redemption and transformation of hearts and lives from sinful, destructive behavior that wreaks havoc with all creation. It includes every nation of the earth, every tongue and tribe hearing this good news of salvation and turning to God. It reflects the prayer he taught his followers: “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)
All creation longs for this. The Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:19-21: “For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.”
One day, man will again walk with God in unbroken fellowship upon a renewed earth (Isaiah 11:6-9, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1-7) Creation will live in harmony with man who will partner once again with our Creator in loving oversight of restored order, beauty and joy.
Credit for photos is as follows:
Woman holding baby tiger: anankkml at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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