Greetings, friends! Today, I want to delve into a profound truth from Scripture that has the power to transform our lives. This message is titled "Looking Back," and it explores the foundational blessing and dominion God granted humanity and how Jesus Christ restored what was lost. Let's journey together through the Word and uncover these life-changing truths.
Created in God's Image
In Genesis 1:26-29, we find a powerful declaration of our identity and purpose:
"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.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'"
From the very beginning, God made us in His image and likeness. He bestowed upon us the authority to rule and reign on Earth. This blessing wasn't just about power; it was about reflecting God's character and stewardship over creation.
The Fall and Loss of Dominion
However, we know the story doesn't end there. When Adam and Eve sinned, they lost this divine blessing and dominion. Genesis 3:17-19 recounts the consequences:
"Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return."
Sin caused humanity to transition from ruling with their words to toiling with their hands. The original blessing was marred, and the ease of dominion was replaced with labor and struggle.
Jesus: The Second Adam
But God, in His infinite love and wisdom, had a plan for redemption. Enter Jesus Christ, the second Adam. Just as Adam was given dominion, Jesus came to restore what was lost. Romans 5:17 states:
"For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ."
Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, carried the divine bloodline. He lived a sinless life, demonstrating the authority and power of God's kingdom. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus reclaimed the dominion Adam lost.
Living in the Blessing
As believers, we need to understand that we are now restored to a position of blessing and authority. This is not about material wealth but about our identity in Christ. Galatians 3:13-14 reminds us:
"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree'), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."
The blessing we have in Christ empowers us to speak and act in faith. Instead of striving with our hands, we use our words to declare God's truth and see His will accomplished on Earth.
The Power of Words
Proverbs 18:21 tells us:
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
Our words carry immense power. Just as Adam named the animals and exercised dominion through his words, we too must learn to speak life and blessings. Faith-filled declarations align us with God's purposes and release His power into our circumstances.
Practical Application
Living in this restored blessing requires a shift in our mindset. Romans 12:2 encourages us:
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
We need to meditate on God's Word, pray, and let His truths reshape our thinking. When faced with challenges, we must choose to see them through the lens of faith and God's promises.
Conclusion
In conclusion, let's remember that we are blessed because of who we are in Christ. Our identity and authority are restored, and we can live out our dominion through faith-filled words. Let's not strive with our hands but speak with our mouths, declaring God's truth over every situation.
I encourage you to dive deeper into the Scriptures and seek God's revelation for your life. Let the blessing of God flow through you, transforming your world and those around you. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Be blessed!
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