26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female. 28 God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.” 29 God also said, “Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you, 30 for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth—everything having the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed. Evening came and then morning: the sixth day.
Genesis 1:26-31
As I write this, we are celebrating the arrival of our godson’s first baby. A healthy, 8lb, 2oz, 20-inch boy came roaring into this world to family and friends who had been awaiting this moment for nine months.
The moment the parents realized they were pregnant, they started having a vision of how their family would look in less than a year. Discussions began of the normal things—names, nursery colors and such, but also deeper conversations. What values did they want to impart to little Tripp? What things could they put into place now to help ensure that this precious baby would grow up happy, healthy and humble? What foods did they want to introduce and when? What toys? How would they discipline? How would they teach wisdom, safety and love? How would they introduce God?
And as the dreams and conversations continued, they began to put into motion the steps they could take to complete this vision. They were invested.
In Genesis 1, God is totally invested in His creation. He has spoken into existence such wonders as light, darkness, oceans, land and animals. Now He is ready for the pièce de résistance of His vision…MAN, created in HIS IMAGE. He has laid the groundwork for man’s life. The garden is full of lush plants and trees. The animals of air, land and sea are now ready for their caretaker.
Adam and Eve are God’s first “children.” As such, they are given every chance at success. Now they only have to do their part to complete His vision. Adam was given abundant resources. He simply had to manage them, just as new parents give their children abundant resources and instructions to manage them.
In Luke 11:13 we are reminded, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”
Once upon a time, Brentwood Baptist was also a “new baby.” Now, thanks to your obedience and abundant resources, we have become not only parents, but also grandparents!
As God leads us through His next vision for Brentwood Baptist Church, let’s seek God’s wisdom and respond accordingly, so that we too can experience Genesis 1:31, “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good indeed.”
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Do you have a vision board for yourself? Your family? Does God’s vision for your family intersect with yours?
- Spend time in prayer for our pastors and leadership as they seek God’s vision for Brentwood Baptist.
- How will God use you through Brentwood Baptist to accomplish His vision for Middle Tennessee?
Family Activity
We know the Bible tells us that God created all things, but we forget that “all things” means every single thing. What about our Church? Did God make it? That’s a great question! God might have not built our building, but he made the elements used to build it and the people in it to sing, love others, and teach. Make a scavenger hunt to take to church on Sunday morning and see how many “God made things” your children can spot!
Missions Prayer
Pray for Nick and Lillian, global workers in our church family who are serving in Southeast Asia. Pray for spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional health as they navigate marriage and ministry. Pray for fruitful ministry, sweet fellowship with the Lord, and that they would be sustained by His Word.