This passage is intimidating and scary for me. The word “reckoning” is a daunting word with a lot of weight. This verse highlights, though, how sacred and important human life is, how important your life is. This passage is right after the great flood, and it is God speaking to Noah and his sons about the reverence that should be shown for human life. He states that animals will be held accountable for taking human lives, and then goes further in saying that a human should be held accountable for taking another human’s life. Why? It is made clear at the end of verse 6. “For God made man in his own image”. Human life is sacred and precious, and though imperfect, reflects the image of God. Rather than encouraging people to kill each other until everyone is gone, God is emphasizing the value of each human life and protecting that value.
For me, the application of this verse is whenever I consider how I think about other people. It is so easy for me to get caught up in what someone has done or not done to me, to point blame fast, and ultimately hold resentment towards that person. But what happens when I look at them as being made in God’s image? It makes me realize how precious they are. That they are equally as fragile as I am. I need to protect that; I want to acknowledge hurt and, at the same time, be quick to remember that each person is a precious reflection of God, and their life, mind, and heart need to be protected and held in great honor.
Question: How do I view other people? As an image of God, or an enemy? Do I view myself as a reflection of God? And do I treat myself as though I am precious and worthy of protection?
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the cross. Allow me to see others as reflections of you and value them as such. Let me love and protect each precious human life, including considering myself as an image bearer. Thank you for your love. Amen