I just finished up a ladies Bible study called Worthy, which focuses on our identity.  So yesterday, as a part of that study, Genesis 1:27 was noted. 

“So God created man in His own image, 
in the image of God He created them; 
male and female He created them.”
(Genesis 1:27)

As I proceeded to look at some of the key words in that verse in the original language, I was intrigued by the definition of image (ṣelem) – a phantom; figuratively, resemblance, hence a representative figure, or likeness. 

As I looked at each particular facet of that definition, I wondered why “phantom” was used.  I don’t know about you, but that word brings to mind spooky stuff.  Resemblance seemed clearer to me, but the next phrase seemed to hit its mark in my heart – a representative figure. 

We were created in the (ṣelem) of God to be a representative figure of Him here on earth.  

Now fast forward to this morning.  In my personal study, I am reading through the Psalms and Proverbs this year.  I was in Psalm 73 today (and in my third time through Proverbs, and might I say that I am picking up fresh nuggets each time I have read Proverbs – His Word is ALIVE!). 

Psalm 73 is talking about the feelings we as followers of God can have when it appears that evildoers don’t suffer because of their sin.  It goes on to explain the contrasting outcomes of the arrogant versus the faithful.  As I read through the Psalm and got to verse 20, I was shocked.  Check this out.  

“Like a dream when one awakes, 
O Lord, when You rouse yourself, 
you despise them as phantoms”.
(Psalm 73:20)  

What?!  “Phantom” coming across my path, twice in two days?!  Well color me intrigued!  If you know me, you know I had to look at the Hebrew lexicon to see if the same word was used, and it was!!! 

Now think this through with me.  We were created in God’s (ṣelem) to be representative figures of His likeness here on earth, but God despises wicked, arrogant people because of the kind of (ṣelem) they are.  They’re all about themselves and not about representing HIM.  

2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.”  The dictionary defines an ambassador to be an authorized representative or messenger.  

We were created to be (ṣelem), representatives of God here on earth, to reflect His love to a dying world.  All that we say and do should point back to HIM and not to ourselves.  So this leaves me with one question. 

How am I doing in the (ṣelem) department?  Sobering, isn’t it?