Bequests From Adam and Eve, Our “Uncommon Ancestors”
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 1:26
Many people take an interest in tracing their family trees in order to seek out common ancestors. If you could trace your genealogy back far enough, you would find that everyone shares the same first parents. This week we explore the things that we have all inherited from Adam and Eve, our “uncommon ancestors.”
The first bequest is the distinction of humanity. In six days the LORD created a perfect world, and God saved His highest creation for last. On the sixth day He formed Adam from dust and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. He fashioned the first woman, Eve, from the man’s rib as his perfect complement.
Adam and Eve were distinct from all God’s other creatures in two important ways. First, they were created “in the image of God.” This means that their rational hearts and souls were tuned to God’s holiness in all things. Second, they were given dominion over all creation. All other living things were designed to serve mankind, and it became our privilege to care for God’s creation.
Even in this fallen world mankind still has dominion over the world, though we have often failed in our stewardship. We are still gifted with a body and rational soul, even though God’s perfect image was lost through the fall into sin. The LORD still reaches out to all with the promise of forgiveness in Christ, and re-creates His holy image in the hearts of believers. Truly, as the Psalmist writes, “You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands.” (Psalm 8:5-6)
The Lord, My God be praised,
My Light, My Life from heaven.
My Maker, who to me
Hath soul and body given;
My Father, who doth shield
And keep me day by day,
Doth make each moment yield
New blessings on my way.
The Lutheran Hymnal 38:1