God as Creator BACKGROUND Then God said, Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness... Genesis 1:26a. What does it mean that we are created in God s image? What is God s image? How does that image shape us and what God intends for us? We know that in some mysterious and wonderful way, God s nature embraces different traits that we would consider both masculine and feminine; yet God transcends both. How do we normally picture God? Is God male or female, old or young, black or white or brown? When we only use one metaphor for God to the exclusion of others, we limit our understanding of who God is. As humans, we will never fully understand God. But when we take time to study the many images of God represented in the Bible, we realize that we need all of the different images of God. All the images together reflect more fully who God is and what God is like. Metaphors are our attempt to express the unfamiliar in terms of the familiar; so we use metaphors for God. We begin with the metaphor of creator, source of life. The first chapter of Genesis tells us of the wonder and magnificence of God s creation. After making all the glories of the world, God topped it all by creating man and woman. Unlike the rest of God s creations, they were like God, in God s image. And, like the rest of God s creations, they were very good. God s creations are good. God is pleased with all of them. Because God cares so deeply about all creation, we know God loves and cares and values us deeply, too. God is our sustainer, and through our understanding of God as creator we know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Our Creator God wants to help us in our daily living. Our Creator God loves us so much and wants us to return that love. To do that, God asks that we follow some guidelines. God gave humans guidelines for living called the Ten Commandments, sometimes called the ten best ways, or the ten words (in Hebrew). One of these guidelines tells us not to make false images of God. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them (Exodus 20:4-5a). In order for us to have a loving relationship with our creator, we need to be loving and trusting and faithful in return. Images of God: God as Creator 50
God as Creator LESSON 1: CREATED IN GOD S IMAGE Objective Students will learn that God values those God created, and be reminded that we were created in God s image and likeness, male and female. Key Concepts God is our Creator. Men and women were created in God s image and likeness. God cares for and delights in God s people. God created humans as the pinnacle of creation, made on the sixth day. Text: Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 1:31, Psalm 139:14-16, Psalm 149:4, Isaiah 40:28 Estimated Lesson Time: 50 minutes Materials Student Bibles Play dough (made or purchased) or clay, one portion for each student Small items to imprint in clay: plastic pieces, dice, costume jewelry, safety pins, paper clips, small plastic combs, etc. God s Word Tells Us We Are Created in God s Image handout (p. 54) For Extend the Lesson, option one: Hymnal: A Worship Book For Extend the Lesson, option two: Ivory soap (1 bar per student), table knives (1 per student) For Extend the Lesson, option three: Old Turtle by Douglas Wood For Extend the Lesson, option five: film or digital cameras, special paper For Extend the Lesson, option six: Cast Plaster Bas-Relief instruction sheet (p. 56), supplies listed on sheet Teacher Preparation 1. Read over these four verses to become familiar with them: Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:14-16, Psalm 149:4, and Genesis 1:31. 2. Read over the thoughts to convey in Introducing the Lesson. Do you have more thoughts to add? 3. Make copies of the handout, one per student. Introducing the Lesson Introduce this new unit called Images of God. The first lesson reminds us that we are created in God s image. Have four students locate the passages and read them out loud to the class: Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:14-16, Psalm 149:4, Genesis 1:31. After each passage is read, add a few thoughts (listed below). 1. Genesis 1:26, 27. Thoughts to convey: Remind students that God created humans in God s image and likeness. People were God s ultimate creation, as they were created on the sixth day. On the seventh day God rested. Point out that God created man and woman in God s image. Both girls and boys are made in God s likeness. God has a plan for each of our lives. 51
2. Psalm 139:14-16. Thoughts to convey: God created each person with great care. People matter to God. These verses give us God s assurance of how much thought and care went into making each individual. 3. Psalm 149:4. Thoughts to convey: God delights in you. God delights in the person you were made to be. God put great care, thought, and desire into you. God wants you, and you are valuable to God. 4. Genesis 1:31. Thoughts to convey: When God created people, they were the top of the list. People were created with great care, thought, and love. We need to be reminded that God called everything God created good. It was very good. That means you are good. You are valuable and precious to God. You are good, and made well. LESSON STEPS 1. Distribute the handout, God s Word Tells Us We Are Made in God s Image. Look for key words found in the passages. Fill in the sheet together. 2. Make imprints. Give each student a piece of play dough or clay. Ask them to touch it, and to feel it. Is it cold? What happens when they warm up the dough in their hands? As the dough becomes warmer, it can be molded and shaped. Ask students how this might compare to God working with our hearts. Pass out the small items you brought. Have each student press an item into the dough and observe the imprint the item made. Try not to rush through this part. You might want to give several opportunities to remold the clay and try a different item, until all are satisfied with their imprints. 3. Reflect on the imprints. Remark that just as each small item made a certain imprint in the dough, only that imprint will fit that item. Say, This is similar to how your feet leave imprints in the sand. Only your own foot can fit back into your imprint. That is the way it is with God s imprint on our lives. Only God fits that space. We should be careful not to fill God s imprint with substitutes. Clean up the dough, and put the imprint items away. 4. Think about God s creation. With the remaining time, have students name as many firsts as they can from the first days of creation. For instance the first morning, the first evening, the first rain, the first waterfall, the first baby spider, the first human, the first human baby, the first sunset, etc. List these on the board or an overhead transparency, or simply use this as a time to reflect on God s creation. EXTEND THE LESSON (These activities will extend the lesson to longer than 50 minutes.) Sing This is my Father s world, #154 in Hymnal: A Worship Book. Make soap sculptures. Give each student a bar of Ivory soap and a table knife, and have them each carve a special creation out of the soap. Students need to work slowly. If large chunks of soap are carved away too quickly, the whole bar will break. Caution students to take their time and work carefully, doing bits of soap at a time. How might this illustrate how God takes great care in creating us? 52
Use the sculpting and shaping lesson to remind students how God created us in God s image and likeness. God delights in us. Using their hands to create things is a valuable way for the students to see that God is the ultimate craftsperson. Read Old Turtle aloud. In this story, each of God s animals feel they are the most important creatures to God, and then God creates a person. God and Me drawings. Invite students to draw pictures of themselves with God, as you ask the following questions. Who do you think God is? What do you think God is like? What would you be doing? What would God look like? What expressions would you have on your faces? After ten minutes, have students share their drawings and perspectives with the class. The important thing is not the finished drawings, but what the students thought about as they drew. Photograph images of God. Send students outside with filmor digital cameras to find something or someone that reflects the image of God. Print out the pictures and attach them to special paper. Have students write the meaning of the pictures in the spaces below. Make permanent imprints. Use the instructions on the Cast Plaster Bas- Relief handout for students to make plaster imprints to take home. 53
Name: God s Word Tells Us We Were Created in God s Image 1. According to the verses in Genesis 1:26-27, you are created in the and of God. 2. List five ways you see the image of God in yourself and in your friends at school. In Your Friends In yourself 3. From Psalm 139:14-16, list the words that show God is a craftsperson. 4. Name traits of people who work on crafts. 5. How did God use craftsmanship in making people? 6. In Genesis 1:31, who does the word good refer to? 7. Since God made you, does this mean you are good? 8. Do you believe that you are good in God s eyes, and that you are a delight to God? Explain your answer. _ 54
God s Word Tells Us We Were Created in God s Image: Answer Key 1. According to the verses in Genesis 1:26-27, you are created in the image and likeness of God. 2. List five ways you see the image of God in yourself and in your friends at school. Answers will vary. 3. From Psalm 139:14-16, list the words that show God is a craftsperson. Knit, fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, woven, made in a secret place (could that be like a workshop away from people?) 4. Name traits of people who work on crafts. Answers might include: meticulous, fine work, thoughtful, sensitive, creative, enjoy color, enjoy materials they work with, usually happy with what they create, proud of their work 5. How did God use craftsmanship in making people? Answers will vary. 6. In Genesis 1:31, who does the word good refer to? All of God s creation, including Adam and Eve, and me 7. Since God made you, does this mean you are good? Yes 8. Do you believe that you are good in God s eyes, and that you are a delight to God? Explain your answer. Answers will vary. 55
Cast Plaster Bas-Relief Materials: Foil pie tin Clay Modeling plaster Container for mixing plaster Salad oil as separating agent Brush for applying oil Wire for hanging hook Objects for imprinting Newspaper Tempera paint, brushes Clear plastic spray 1. Use the pie tin as the mold. Fill it half full of clay. Take the objects you brought and make a design on the clay. The focal point should be the center, with the design radiating out from that point. 2. Press the objects into the clay, pressing heavily enough to make an impression. Remove the objects. Brush a thin coat of oil on clay to act as a separating agent. 3. Mix the plaster as follows: Pour sufficient amount of water into mixing bowl and add plaster by sifting it through fingers or sprinkling it in with a cup. Add plaster to water until it builds up above surface. Let soak for 20-30 seconds. Stir plaster with hands, breaking up any lumps, until smooth. Be sure to stir gently to avoid creating bubbles. 4. Pour the plaster into the mold, and agitate to bring bubbles to the top. Insert a wire for hanging. The plaster should be hardened and dried completely before it is removed from the mold. 5.The plaster will begin to harden rapidly. It s important to immediately wipe excess plaster from bowl and wrap in newspaper for easy disposal. Do NOT wash plaster down the drain! Run water continuously while washing hands, tools, and mixing bowl. 6. Remove plaster cast from the mold.wash off any clay that might remain on the the plaster. Smooth any sharp edges. 7. Paint the plaster with tempera paint. After it dries, cover it with clear plastic spray for a protective finish. 8. Designate locations for placing pie tins and clay. Be sure brushes are carefully washed. 56