Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:26-27

…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
John 17:21

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Before we talk about creation and intimacy, I have an announcement: I became a grandfather this year. It’s a huge milestone for our family. But it’s also an eye-opener. The introduction of my grandson has stirred up so much in my mind and heart. Spending time up close, locking eyes and hands with him, has dusted off old memories and unearthed new thoughts. While I try to stay present, I’m easily whisked away to my childhood, into the arms of the families and community that reared me. And once again I’m awestruck. I’m amazed by how God met and nurtured me at every turn, especially the turbulent ones, and how He loves and longs to be close to my grandson more than I ever could.

Did you realize that as we age, we get further from the awe of intimacy? We experience an imperfect world and make imperfect choices. We get caught up in self-reliance and self-protection, forgetting that we have an innate longing to belong, to be close with someone that isn’t us. My grandson doesn’t have this problem. He’s still tender toward whoever shows up with a smile, a loving tone, and a caring shoulder. But you and I, we can lose the awe of intimacy so quickly. We forget that everyone, including ourselves, bears the image of God and desires to commune with Him and others in perfect harmony.

And now back to Eden. Rereading the creation story reminds us that God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—always elevates the conversation of intimacy beyond sex and procreation. Jesus yearns for us to be as close to the Trinity as He is. Too soon after we’re born, we discover that our burning desire to be with someone doesn’t always result in true intimacy. And yet, the potential for that kind of closeness, an unbroken bond and connection with our Creator, is at our doorstep. It’s possible for us to lose the awe of intimacy, but it’s also possible to reclaim its wonder at any moment we’re open to Jesus’ invitation to oneness.

Next Steps

Intimacy is ultimately about what’s going on deep inside you as it relates to the world and people around you. Today, focus on being close to God first and foremost. Prayerfully read through Psalm 139. What verses, words or phrases strengthen the awe of intimacy within you?