Welcome to the Turnaround’s 52 Days of prayer!
Introduction
Welcome to Day 29 of the Turnaround’s 52 Days of Prayer. When we look at the first commandment given to man, we must understand and be inspired by the significance of this command for all creation and to continue to obey it. Let’s look closer into this command.
Insight
Has our image and purpose been made clear from the beginning? The answer is yes! As Romans 2:19 states, “because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ”
The order of Genesis 1:28 as a command, shows the significance of this command to all mankind. Our God paused in the order of His other days, before declaring it good, to first address the humans He had created. God left no room for speculation of their identity and what their purpose would be in this world. Our God made it clear that males and females were to increase His image on the earth and subdue it with His image.
Sadly, sin entered the picture not far from the time God created Adam and Eve because of their disobedience. What sin and the enemy have done from the fall of mankind has deceived people from understanding that they are the image bearers of God and have kept mankind from stewarding the earth the way God intended.
What is even more heartbreaking is that we as Christians have not embraced the redemptive plan God had from the beginning to send His Son to die on a cross as a sacrifice for our sins and to restore that which was broken, the order of what God intended from the beginning. Those of us who are His children are walking around unaware of our identity in Him and that He created us for a purpose nor are we impressing the image on our children. God’s redemptive plan is perfect, but we as Christians, must repent and embrace it. We are without excuse!
Body of Christ, please understand who’s image you bear and your purpose. We are special to God as written in 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” We must return to truth and to the first order of business with humanity, multiplying others in the image of God. In doing so, the earth will be blessed. “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed,” Romans 13:11.
As the Body of Christ, we must wake up to our identity and impress God’s image on the hearts of our children. No child should ever wonder about their identity or purpose in this life, whether that be our biological children, adopted children, children we teach, or children within our churches or communities. This was and has been our responsibility from the beginning!
Turnaround Question
What would happen if we obediently understood our identity in God and multiplied His image on this earth? May we renew our identities in Him and realize the gravity and purpose of our lives, to ultimately fulfill the Great Commission.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that reminds us of Your purposes and commands from the very beginning of time. Thank You that the first words you spoke to humans were clear about their identity in You and the purpose for their lives. Forgive us that sin has blinded us to this truth. Please help us turn from the lies of the enemy and recommit to knowing our identity in You as your children and obediently multiply Your image on this earth. We believe Your return is near, O Lord, let us not waste one more minute. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, amen.
