What are we worth?

On Christmas Eve 1968 the crew of Apollo 8 had just experienced the world in a way that no-one had before: orbiting the moon they witnessed an Earthrise.

As they broadcast live to the world below they began, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…” They then proceeded to read the first chapter of the book of Genesis. What they saw, as awe inspiring as it was, drew their attention to the inspiration behind it all.

For many, the idea that there is anyone or anything beyond what is physical - let alone a divine creator - is unbelievable. For others, the idea that the world that we know is the chance result of blind, random forces is just as unbelievable. Perhaps we have to choose which unbelievable we’re going to put our faith in?

The Bible’s claim is that there is a God who created the world. With both mighty power and meticulous attention to detail, he made everything from nothing, culminating with the creation of humanity. Formed in God’s image, we bear the imprint of our Creator. This gives us the value that we instinctively know sets us apart from the rest of creation. If this is true, then our worth cannot derive from our race, religion, sex, background, occupation, fitness level or age.

Down through the centuries this view of our inherent worth has helped shape human rights, legislation, legal systems, healthcare services and protection for the weak and the vulnerable.

Bearing the image of God gives us our worth but it also gives us our responsibility. Specifically, the responsibility we carry to represent the one who made us – cultivating and caring for his creation, and relating to our fellow human beings as fellow human beings.

Inside St Paul’s Cathedral there’s a plaque which is inscribed with some words in Latin referring to Sir Christopher Wren who designed it: “if you want to see his memorial, look around you.” The wonder of the building speaks of the greatness of its architect. The wonder of our world speaks of the greatness of its Creator, and this is most true of all when it comes to humanity – or at least it should be. Sadly we all fall short of the glory we were made for and have made quite a mess of the world in the process.

Wonderfully, instead of leaving us to our mess, God saw our worth, took on our humanity and gave his life for us.  When we look to Jesus Christ we can see the greatness we were meant to display. When we put our trust in him we can find reconciliation with our Creator and life in all its fullness – the image of God restored and renewed.  

This Lent we are taking a close-up look at Mark’s account of Jesus’ final days on earth in our sermon series. It is an opportunity for all of us to look to him afresh and consider who he is and why he came. As always, you would be very welcome to join us at any of our services.