◄ What Does Genesis 1:28 Mean? ►

God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

Genesis 1:28(NASB)

Verse of the Day

Having created man in His own image and likeness on the sixth day, with a intellect, emotions, a moral nature, the ability to communicate, and a free-will to make wise choices: "God blessed them," and gave His first set of instruction to Adam and Eve, commanding them to be fruitful and multiply, and spread out across the globe, filling the earth with their offspring.

Man was also given a second command by God. He was to subdue the earth and to become God's representative on earth. Adam was to rule over the goodly things that God had made, and to tend and care for all that God had created. Adam and Eve were to have dominion over everything: "The fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

Man was the crowing glory of God's entire creation and as man and wife, Adam and Eve were authorised to rule over the works of God's hands (for God had put all rule and authority under the feet of His representative man). Man's stewardship over earth was established, and the unique position of humanity in the plans and purposes of God was instituted by the Lord Himself.

But sin and stupidity, pride and rebellion, caused God's creation to be placed under a curse for a time. We continue to live as fallen beings in a fallen world, waiting for that promised day when Christ will return as God's second, representative Man. And we are anticipating that time when, as the last Adam, the Lord of glory, our heavenly Man, will return to rule and reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. That will be a time when all things will be placed under His feet finally and fully. A time when Christ will be all in all.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, what a beautiful reminder that it was Your perfect plan for mankind to look after the earth, have dominion over it, and be fruitful and multiply. In these days when it seems people are worshipping Your creation, with calls to protect the planet and worries about global climate problems, people have forgotten the Creator. May I be a good steward of this planet, because I love You Who created it and I because I want to honour You. Thank You that this sinful world is passing away, to one day be replaced with a new heaven and new earth. Creation declares the glory of God. May I sing with creation to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name, AMEN.