TRAINING FOR REIGNING I

For a long time I read the Genesis 1 account this way: “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (1:28). The word used in verse 28 was “subdue it (the earth) and have dominion over it.” I always hesitated with the ‘subdue and dominion’ idea. It was like a ‘take-over’ or forced position of will.

Later I checked more carefully and found that subdue and dominion could as well be translated rule, reign or govern. Reign is probably the best case. This makes creation a kingdom with people given the responsibility to rule and reign it like the Lord reigns all of his Kingdom activities. A later translation reads:

“Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” (Genesis 1:28 NLT) That makes more sense to me.

How does Jesus reign or rule? By loving, caring, talking, example, forgiving, restoring, repairing, healing, giving and praying. Creation is to be governed the same way. It is to talk and communicate with trees, animals and living things. To understand and honor them, co-exist with them and therefore reign and care for them. It is more about co-operation than submission.

“I tell you the truth, the things you don’t allow on earth will be the things God does not allow. And the things you allow on earth will be the things that God allows.” Jesus