Created in God’s Image

This week I read an article in Sojourners by Jim Wallis. The article is entitled “An Altar Call for the Election.”   Now Lutherans do not do altar calls. If we did, I do not think it would be about an election. But the point of the article is more substantial than that. The altar call Wallis is speaking about is a call to take our identity seriously when we go to vote. Our identity as we know it is that of a beloved child of God. But there is more to that identity. The first chapter of the first book of the Bible lays out plainly who we are meant to be from the very beginning.  ​

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This week I read an article in Sojourners by Jim Wallis. The article is entitled “An Altar Call for the Election.”   Now Lutherans do not do altar calls. If we did, I do not think it would be about an election. But the point of the article is more substantial than that. The altar call Wallis is speaking about is a call to take our identity seriously when we go to vote. Our identity as we know it is that of a beloved child of God. But there is more to that identity. The first chapter of the first book of the Bible lays out plainly who we are meant to be from the very beginning.  

“Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth.’  So, God created humankind in his image, in the image of God, he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:26-27) 

So, what does the image of God look like in us? It looks like God, the scripture says, but how can that be? God the Father does not have a physical body, and the Holy Spirit does not have a physical body; only Jesus did. Jesus is the embodiment of God, in human form. Jesus is the image of God. 

So, what is it about Jesus that is in our image? Jesus is one who hung around the temple a lot. Even as a young boy. Searching to know more, and then teaching in the temples. He taught about what the kingdom of God is like. Jesus used metaphors to make his point about the Kingdom of God. It is like losing something so important, something priceless and then finding it again, like a coin, or a lost sheep, or even a son. That is how important the kingdom is. The kingdom is something to be cherished like a fine pearl, or a hidden treasure. We do not want to lose sight of this kingdom. One of my favorites is that of a woman adding yeast to the dough and it rises and continues to grow. This is a reminder that Jesus brings in the Kingdom of God, but it is not here in its totality. The kingdom is still growing as we are being made in God’s image, continuing to share the ideals of the kingdom with the world – the way of peace, justice, and love. Being made in the image of God means being someone who promotes kingdom living in our community and throughout the world. Kingdom living involves living in community, caring for one another. Kingdom living is not individualistic. So, our identity as one made in the image of God is one who shares the vision of the kingdom. 

The image of God involves even more than this. It includes action of being God’s hands and feet in the world. The writer of the creation story is quite clear that God trusts those made in God’s image to take care of the animals on the earth, and the planet itself and all people. Jesus cared for all people. Jesus brought healing to the sick and to the blind. The people on the margins of society like the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, and those who are poor; Jesus always has compassion for them. It is safe to say that although Jesus loves all people, in the gospels, he shows preference for those in need, the poor, the sick, the widow, the orphan, the foreigner, and the outcast. So, one made in the image of God looks like Jesus who shows partiality to those individuals or groups of people in need and marginalized by society.  

Remember learning in confirmation class about the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is busy, always on the move! Busy making the world a better place by making people more holy. Where there is injustice, the Holy Spirit is on it as was Jesus for that matter. God the Father speaks through the prophets to let justice flow like rivers. Someone made in the image of God is active in working for justice and peace, in their workplaces, families, churches, classrooms, communities, government and the world. Striving for justice and peace. Remember that promise taken by parents at baptism, and by confirmands. It seems like such a hard promise, until the Spirit moves in. Working for justice and peace moves toward Kingdom living. Creating a world of nonviolence as Isaiah describes “beating swords into plowshares,” becomes more tangible when we work for justice and peace. Working for justice among people and treating the earth justly bring equity, and life. So, one made in the image of God is active in pursuing justice and peace. 

November 3rd will be here in less than two weeks. We are told by newscasters that many people know how they are going to vote. But like all elections, there are some people who may decide to stay home and not cast a vote. If you are one of those, think again. If you have not voted and intend to, please do so. This is a freedom that is the right of all people. We cannot take it for granted. When you vote in this election and elections to come, remember…remember who you are. You are made in the image of God. And what does God except of you? “But to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)  

In Christ,
Pastor Pam Schroeder