“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27
My dad was a big guy… literally. Everyone called him “Guy,” which was our family name. His side of the family came from Ireland and Scotland, so his complexion was very fair. His eyes were sky blue, and before turning gray, he had hair the color of sun-streaked straw. For a while, he played guitar and the bass professionally. His upbringing was not the easiest, which may have been one of the reasons why he left home at 17 to join the US Navy. He wasn’t a perfect man, but he was my father, and I loved him dearly!
If you look at me, you wouldn’t automatically see that we were related. My skin is olive colored; my eyes are brown. My hair (again, pre-gray years) was dark brown, almost black. But if you look closely, there are many similarities. For example, we happen to have identical birthmarks! Second, we both have a natural talent for music. He could sing; I can sing. He could play guitar; I can play guitar. He could write music; I can write music. Third, we have the same family ancestry. Because there are so many other characteristics we both share, there is no doubt he is my dad.
There are those who believe that I am a distant relative of an ancient bacterium that eventually evolved into what I am today. I’ve never heard of a bacterium that could display any kind of emotion. I’ve never seen a bacterium that could sing. I see no family resemblance. Definitely not my father.
Some say that primates and me have a common ancestor. Well, I’ve never seen a gorilla that can walk upright. Yes, they can do so for a very short amount of time, but most of the time, they walk on all fours. Social emotions like love, empathy, and guilt are not found in primates. Family units (mother-father-child) are also missing. We have the ability to use comprehensive speech and the ability to infer what others think by behaviors. Not them. No, there is no family connection here. There is no shared ancestry. A few similar physical characteristics, like an opposable thumb, does not make a chimp my father.
By definition, a father is one who begets, or the male who nurtures and raises a child. My dad and I are tied to one another in so many ways. Genetically, our DNA can prove we are related. Emotionally, we have a family tie that is unbreakable. Physically, we share lots of similarities. Historically, we can trace the commonalities in our ancestry. It is quite clear that I am the image of my father. It’s indisputable.
It is the same with my heavenly Father. While I am not omniscient, omnipotent, or omnipresent as God is, if you look closely, there are so many characteristics that connect us. For instance, I have a heart that can love. I can bestow mercy upon others. I can raise my voice in song. I can help where there is a need. I can encourage others. I have a soul within me that is eternal. Just like my earthly father, there is no doubt to whom I belong spiritually. I am a child of God, and I was created by Him for a purpose. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)
I am a special creation. “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:14) To believe otherwise is foolishness.
I know I was created in the image of God. “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:” (Genesis 1:26) He is my heavenly Father now and forever!
You will notice we say “brother and sister” ’round here,
It’s because we’re a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.
I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family, the family of God.
(from “The Family of God” by Bill & Gloria Gaither)
“Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” Isaiah 43:7
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Earthly fathers may disappoint, but our heavenly Father never does!