One of the deep affirmations of our faith is that we are made in the image of God. And for generations, theologians have wrestled with the meaning and implications of those words. Some have suggested that it refers to something in our being, or to our capacity to be in relationship, or to some Godlike function we possess, such as creativeness.
Episcopalian theologian and author Barbara Brown Taylor once wrote, after returning from a long flight, that she loves watching travelers returning from international flights, being greeted by their adoring family and friends. She said that seeing their faces reminded her why she loved being alive. She also said that it reminded her “that the truest thing about being human—the thing deepest down in us—is not sin but the divine image.”
In an attempt to trip him up, Jesus was once asked if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. Taking a coin, Jesus pointed out that it was the Emperor’s image on the coin. He responded, “‘Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” It was a response that evokes even more questions, and in particular, it asks us what it means that we are bearers, not of the image of Caesar, but of the image of God. What does it mean that we are capable of honoring deep truth, of practicing profound goodness and love, or creating and relishing great beauty?
In our worship service on Sunday, we’ll explore this theme. The sermon, titled “Stronger Together: Spotting the Image of God Among Us”, will work with some of those questions that the passage draws out of us. We’ll have a time for children, a stewardship moment with Brandt and Dian Ludlow, and music from our Sanctuary singers, accompanied by Nara Lee and directed by Gerry Sousa. We will also have a brief update of the recent meeting of the Indiana United Methodist Annual Conference.
We look forward to connecting with you on the Live Stream, which you will find by visiting www.smumc.church.