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Let Them Have Dominion

 Restoring Dominion: Walking in the Authority of God

When God created humanity, He declared a profound intention: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:26). This statement reveals both our identity as bearers of God’s image and our calling to walk in dominion. Yet, through the Fall, this authority was lost. Jesus, the "second Adam," came to restore what was broken, modeling dominion in action and commissioning us to carry forward this divine mandate.

So what does it mean to have dominion? And how do the elements described in Genesis 1:26—fish, fowl, cattle, and creeping things—translate into our lives today? Let’s explore their metaphorical meanings and how Jesus redefined them in His ministry.

Dominion Defined

To have dominion means to steward, govern, and exercise authority. It is not about domination but about bringing order, healing, and restoration in alignment with God’s purpose. Through Jesus, we see dominion lived out: He healed the sick, calmed storms, multiplied resources, and conquered death. In Christ, we too are called to reflect God’s image and authority, walking in victory over the challenges of life.

What We Have Dominion Over

The elements God mentioned in Genesis 1:26 symbolize the challenges and realities of life, as well as our God-given authority to address them. Below are their metaphorical meanings and how they connect to Jesus’ life and our restored calling.

1. Fish of the Sea: Spiritual and Emotional Chaos

  • Metaphor: The sea often represents chaos, uncertainty, and fear. Fish symbolize the aspects of life submerged in this turmoil—spiritual hunger, emotional instability, and the fear of scarcity.

  • Example in Jesus’ Ministry: Jesus demonstrated dominion over the sea when He calmed the storm (Mark 4:39), showing His authority over chaos. He multiplied fish and loaves to feed the hungry (Matthew 14:19), meeting both physical and spiritual needs.

  • Our Dominion: In Christ, we have authority over the chaos of life. We bring peace to anxious situations and trust in God’s provision, knowing there is abundance in Him.

2. Fowl of the Air: Vision and Connection to the Divine

  • Metaphor: Birds in the air symbolize higher perspective, vision, and spiritual connection. Blindness and deafness, both physical and spiritual, reflect a disconnect from God and clarity of purpose.

  • Example in Jesus’ Ministry: Jesus restored sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf (John 9:6-7; Mark 7:33-35), renewing their ability to see and hear both physically and spiritually.

  • Our Dominion: We are called to have clarity of vision and spiritual insight. In Christ, we rise above earthly limitations, aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s heavenly perspective.

3. Cattle: Provision, Relationships, and Community

  • Metaphor: Cattle represent sustenance, abundance, and the systems of provision that sustain life. Hunger and poverty signify a breakdown in these systems.

  • Example in Jesus’ Ministry: Jesus multiplied food to feed the multitudes and turned water into wine (John 2:1-11), demonstrating His dominion over resources and provision.

  • Our Dominion: We are stewards of the earth’s resources and caretakers of our communities. Walking in dominion means addressing hunger, fostering healthy relationships, and creating systems that reflect God’s abundance and generosity.

4. Creeping Things: Sickness, Disease, and Frailty

  • Metaphor: Creeping things, which move close to the ground, represent the frailty of human life, sickness, and struggles that bind us to the earth’s brokenness.

  • Example in Jesus’ Ministry: Jesus healed lepers, the paralyzed, and the chronically ill (Matthew 8:1-4; John 5:1-9). He demonstrated that sickness has no dominion over those in God’s kingdom.

  • Our Dominion: In Christ, we have authority over sickness and brokenness. Through prayer, compassion, and healing, we partner with God to bring restoration to both body and soul.

5. Over All the Earth: Restoring Creation’s Harmony

  • Metaphor: The earth represents the broader systems and environments in which we live. These include societal structures, the natural world, and cultural dynamics.

  • Example in Jesus’ Ministry: Jesus challenged oppressive systems and brought justice, showing His dominion extended beyond personal healing to societal restoration.

  • Our Dominion: We are called to be agents of change, advocating for justice, caring for the environment, and building communities that reflect God’s kingdom.

Living in Restored Dominion

Through Jesus, we are not only restored to our identity as image-bearers but also empowered to walk in dominion. He declared, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do” (John 14:12). This isn’t about pride or power but about fulfilling our divine purpose: to partner with God in bringing heaven to earth.

As we step into this calling, we confront sickness with healing, chaos with peace, and scarcity with abundance. We bring clarity to confusion, restore relationships, and advocate for justice. In doing so, we reflect God’s image and His heart for a restored world.

Invitation to Action

Today, consider where you are called to walk in dominion. What areas of your life need the peace, authority, and restoration Jesus demonstrated? Know that through His Spirit, you are empowered to bring God’s kingdom into every sphere of life. Together, let’s reclaim our purpose and live as God intended—in His image, with authority, and for His glory.

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