IN HIS OWN LIKENESS

TEXT: Genesis 5:1-32

Scripture: 

Genesis 5:1b In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him. Vs 3 and Adam lived an hundred and thirty years , and begat a son in his own likeness and after his image and called his name Seth. 

The word of God is set before us, again, declaring that God made man in his own image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). In Genesis 2:7 the moulded soil received the breath of life from God and became a living soul.  In Luke 3:38, he is called son of God. He was the son of God just like the sons of God who dwell in the heavenly realms. He was only made a little lower than the angels, yet, crowned with glory and honour. He had dominion over God's handwork and all things were under his feet (Psalm 8:5-6). Unfortunately, in the process of time, Adam and his wife traded this exalted position in order to satisfy their lusts of the eye and pride of life (Genesis 3:4; 1John 2:16). They fell from grace and glory. What was their gain? Their gain was the cunning, crafty and deceitful knowledge of Satan. hence they began to suffer and heaven was closed against them. It was in this fallen state that Adam began his divine mandate to be fruitful, multiply and replenish the earth. 

Genesis 4, shows us the abhorrent seed of Adam, Cain. No place was found for him among the living, so him and all his descendants were avoided. The human race couldn't continue with that multiple corrupted seed; a vagabond and a murderer. Seth came in. In the likeness of his father, Adam, he was made. Whatever is left of God in Adam he inherited and whatever corruption and curse Adam carried he also obtained. Hence, he is born in the image and likeness of his father. Like will always begat like. However, the mercy and grace of God is very much evident, even at this very beginning. Thankfully, as Enos was born, men turned to God again and began to call upon his name; recognizing him in both their private and communal lives.

What's our lesson? The genealogy in this reading shows us ten generations living their lives in hundreds of years. Yet, If we take 2 Peter 3:8 literally, it means that none of these men lived up to one full day in God's calendar. Man was indeed created for eternity. Little wonder ecclesiastics declared that God has placed eternity in the heart of man. We are still in search of eternity even today. Interestingly, John 17:3 says, and this is eternal life, knowing you, the one true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. Look not elsewhere therefore for this eternal life which only Enoch and Elisha have experiences of all ordinary men. It is readily available in Jesus. God has given him power over all flesh , that he should give eternal life to as many as God has given him. (Jn17:2) Accepting Jesus as lord and saviour and steadfastly growing in your most holy faith is what guarantees this eternal life.

Prayer: Father, as we study Genesis again, you give us yet more profound information on things that were and things that will be. Grant that as you have shown that nothing takes you unaware and have therefore given Jesus to be the one through whom you make everything perfect again, that we may hold on tightly to knowing you and knowing him all the days of our lives. That when our life on earth ends we are rewarded with that indescribable gift of eternal life with you. We ask this in his most holy name. Amen