Black Man Theology

by Pastor Darion Page

A quick Google search will reveal a comprehensive definition of Imago Dei. In sum, the concept suggests that we are created in the likeness of God. Many of us can recall the creation account; “so God created humans in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27, NRSV, emphasis mine). In addition to being created in God’s image, notice the opening words of the very next verse. “God blessed them….” (Genesis 1:28, NRSV). Not only did God create humanity in His likeness. In the very next breath, God blessed His creation.

God created humanity in His likeness, the Imago Dei. God blessed humanity. Genesis 1 provides the beautiful imagery of our loving God creating and crafting man using Himself as a template. It is perplexing to see how low self-esteem, high levels of anxiety, depressing rates of suicide, and suicidal ideation have become the norm. 

Consider Moses. Moses was created in the image of God. God’s grace and favor protected him. He was raised in the comfort and luxury of Pharaoh’s palace. Moses’ life represents a profound truth; being created in the Image of God is not to produce a life of comfort, ease, convenience, and luxury. If God’s design for man were to enjoy comfort, the trajectory of Moses’ life would have ended at the palace. By divine design, the palace was the beginning and not the end of the journey.

Likewise, I want to press upon you that our lives have much more significant meaning beyond the comfort, convenience, and luxury that our culture promotes. In Exodus 3, Moses had an encounter with God in which he received a Divine Calling. It is important not to rush over the significance of Exodus 2, where Moses established what would become a problematic past. Moses killed an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-15). In addition to a problematic history, Moses had a persistent problem. “But Moses said to the LORD, ‘O my Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now that you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and slow of the tongue’” (Exodus4:10, NRSV). 

Moses was given a prophetic proclamation despite his problematic past and persistent problem. I love the opening words of chapter 4, verse 12 “Now go.” It is a reminder that Moses is still made in the image of God. I lift these familiar passages as a reminder that we cannot allow problematic pasts or persistent problems to rob us of the reality that we are made in the Imago Dei, the Image of God. Too often, I have let my problematic past and persistent problems overshadow the fact that I was created in the Image of God. I encourage you to celebrate the God in you as you live out the life you were created to live.