by Ruth Wilkinson
Gen 1:26-27
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…”
He created humanity in the image of God;
—male and female He created them.
It’s important to know this: He is not like us. We are like Him.
Although God is infinite, since we’re made in his image, our five senses, “tasting, touching, hearing, seeing, and breathing” can, even with our constrained reality help us begin to understand an infinite God and by beginning to understand Him, we begin to understand ourselves and what He wants from and for us.
►►Each of the reflections below ends with a question beginning “What do you want?” We can ask ourselves how God wants to inform us through those senses.
Sight
definition: to look at, observe, consider; requires distance, even objectivity
The LORD looks down from heaven;
He sees all human beings.
From His dwelling place He gazes
on all who inhabit the earth. Gen 33:13-14
The picture here is that God is observing, standing back, at a distance, aware and watching carefully, taking in what is happening in Creation.
You are the God who sees.
You stand apart and observe, your eyes witness and consider our lives.
You made us like you – with objectivity and insight.
Prayer: What do you want me to see?
Sound
definition: to hear, pay attention to; requires closeness and attention
The LORD is far from the wicked,
but He hears the prayer of the righteous. Prov 15:29
The book of Proverbs often presents contrasts; here the righteous are contrasted with the wicked. This picture goes beyond distance and detachment. God comes close. He doesn’t just know what’s going on, but is paying attention, and even doing what He’s asked.
You are the God who hears.
You come close and actively listen.
You made us like you–to silence our own voices and turn our ear toward you and each other.
Prayer: What do you want me to hear?
Taste
definition: to identify, classifying or discerning i.e. by eating
“I know you,” says the Lord. “You are neither cold nor hot….
…because you are lukewarm, I am about to spit you out of My mouth!” Rev 3:15-16
Our picture of God expands; goes beyond observing, beyond hearing. God is discerning, identifying, judging the difference between good and bad. Healthy and poisonous. True and false…
“…For the ear tests words
as the mouth tastes food.” Job 34:2-3
You are the God who tastes.
You judge our thoughts and intentions.
You made us like you–to recognize that not everything in our hearts or in the world is loving or true.
Prayer: What do you want me to taste?
Smell
definition: to detect the presence of by inhaling; implies and requires breathing
May my prayer be set before you as incense,
my raised hands an offering. Psalm 141:2To God, we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved
and among those who are perishing. 2 Cor 2:15
This picture goes beyond the previous senses; beyond observing, beyond listening, beyond judging. God is taking a deep breath, drawing us into Himself and finding pleasure in
• our words and gifts to him
• and to the people around us.
• the ways in which we express our love and our faith.
You are the God who breathes in our fragrance.
You absorb the gifts we give in love.
You made us like you–to inhale the goodness of the world, of each other, and of You.
Prayer: What do you want me to smell?
Touch
definition: to interact with in a physical way, especially with hands
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. Psalm 138:7
He observes, He listens, He judges, He accepts us and He gets involved. He acts. His strength and compassion engage, and interact with the world. Opposing the wrong. Saving the vulnerable.
You are the God who touches.
You create, build, defend, tear down.
You made us like you –to touch the world, uphold the good, resist the wrong, protect the vulnerable.
Prayer: What do you want me to touch?
God gives us each different gifts and priorities. If we get to know Him, we come to understand better what He calls us each to bring to the world and His Church. Take time to consider where you best can work alongside Him.
Christianity 201 