This sermon was first preached by Tim N in January 2026 at St Denys in which reminded us that 'No matter what you think about yourself, God looks at you and says, “You are very good.” You are the crown of His creation. We are not here by accident. Made in God’s image, we each have a purpose, and each are blessed. We are all part of God’s “very good” creation!' 

Introduction:

Good morning everyone. Are you feeling good? Some of you know I like to buy weird and wonderful kitsch objects relating to faith like my Baby Jesus Bethlehem snow Globe. Now I was casually looking at a shopping site I’ve founds things before and thought I’d try searching for Anglican, and the first entry was an “Anxious Fidget Spinner”. And I thought Hmmmm…

If you look in the mirror in the morning do you look and say. “Yeah – made in the image of God” or is more “, “Lord, is this really how you want to reflect Your image?” Especially if you woke up with hair (or a beard) that could double as a bird’s nest.

But seriously, have you ever stopped and really thought about it—you are made in God’s image! That’s incredible.

You are not just some random accident of the universe. You were made on purpose, and not just by any artist, but by the Artist—God Himself.

We are Image-bearers of God

Let’s begin with verse 26-7:

"Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."

Now, right off the bat—We are made in God’s image. That’s pretty amazing! It doesn’t mean that God looks exactly like us (otherwise, I’d be concerned about His hairline), but it means we reflect His character. God made us to be like Him. We reflect His creativity, His love, and His goodness.

And it’s important to stress it is “We”. Humanity was made in his image. Each of us will show different attributes. Together we bear God’s image. Each of us is differently gifted. Each has their own part to play. When we look at each other, let’s remember to find the aspects of the image in God in the person in front of us.

The Genesis story is very different to the ones around it at the same time. No God’s fighting for supremacy, no children of the Gods. We are both created and yet still made in the image of God. He chooses to give us that power. However we feel today, however we look first thing in the morning. You are all in some way beautiful. God’s masterpiece, designed to reflect His image. A reflection of God’s goodness and creativity.

God Gives Us Purpose

Verse 28:

" God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’"

Did you sear that? God gives us a purpose. He tells us to “rule over” the creatures of the earth and “fill the earth and subdue it.” Now, before you get too excited about that ruling part, remember, we’re not talking about being like some evil villain in a movie, laughing maniacally while taking over the world. No, God’s idea of ruling is more about stewardship.

It's like when you get a new pet. You’re in charge, sure, but you’re also responsible for taking care of it, feeding it, and keeping it alive. God has made us caretakers, not conquerors. When He says to “rule,” He means to nurture, to care for, and to bring out the best in His creation. So, you can think of it as a cosmic responsibility to take care of everything—from the animals to the environment, to relationships and the work we do.

Let’s be honest: when God tells you to “rule over” the animals, it’s not about bossing the dog or cat around – In my experience – good luck with that. It’s about taking care of what God has entrusted to us.

And let’s face we aren’t going a good job. We prioritise our own comfort over making the changes that will stop the world from tipping out of balance. More and more people are  talking about adapting to the world as it warms. And that’s fine for us. Nobody’s sitting here thinking a I hope it doesn’t get warmer this morning. But if as a country we struggle to cope with the trickle of people coming here to escape violence and persecution, It is nothing to what will happen if millions of people find themselves living in places that can no longer sustain human life and seek safety. It has been a challenge as a Church to start looking beyond “what can we do to reduce our utility bills” to looking at “what can we do to stop our pollution of the planet”, but it’s a journey we feel challenged to explore.

God Provides for You

"Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.’ And it was so."

Now my first reaction reading this verse was “I was right as a kid” Green stuff is for Animals – not Humans”. But I think that might be more a case of wishful thinking. And it doesn’t mention that Animals are for food at all. The writer is not a dietician, but instead is stressing the order of things. All creation should have what it needs to survive. He has given us everything WE need to thrive. Think about it: God says, “Here, I’ve made the earth and everything in it for you to enjoy. You’re not going hungry on my watch.”

It’s like going to a Michelin starred Restaurant where the chef has already made the best meal ever, and all you have to do is show up and enjoy it, and the bill is already paid.

When God made the world, He made it abundant. He provides for us today. It may be a struggle sometimes, but we don’t have to worry about God’s provision; He has already given us what we need to fulfill our purpose if we all are fair about what share we take.

Sometimes we can be tempted to panic about life, but we can take a deep breath and remember—God has already provided everything needed to fulfill your purpose. We might not have everything we want, but we do have what we need. We need to trust Him

You Are Part of God's 'Very Good' Work

And now we come to the last verse of this passage, verse 31:

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day."

After creating everything—mountains, rivers, animals, and humanity—God steps back and says, “It is very good.”

This is the moment of celebration. It’s like an artist stepping back from a finished painting or a chef tasting their final dish and saying, “Nailed it.” God is pleased with His work. And you’re part of that “very good” creation. Not an afterthought. Not some cosmic accident. You are the crown of God’s creation.

So when you’re feeling discouraged, when you wonder if you matter, know that God says you’re “very good.” God looks at His creation, sees us, and says, “That’s exactly how I wanted it.” He is pleased with what you are.

So as we worship, as we pray and as we go out in into the world, remember that

You are made in the image of God. Reflecting His creativity, goodness, and love. Even on a bad hair day, you are a masterpiece.

You have a purpose. God has called you to your place in stewarding His creation—caring for the world, nurturing relationships, living out His love.

God provides for you. You don’t have to worry about provision—God has already given you everything you need to fulfill your purpose.

And that You are very good. No matter what you think about yourself, God looks at you and says, “You are very good.” You are the crown of His creation.

We are not here by accident. Made in God’s image, we each have a purpose, and each are blessed. We are all part of God’s “very good” creation!

Let’s pray.

Prayer:

Blessed Creator, thank You for creating us in Your image and giving us purpose. Help us to live out that purpose by caring for your creation well, loving others, and reflecting your goodness in all we do. Thank You for Your generous provision and for calling us “very good.” Help us see the masterpiece you see in us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.