The subject of "dominion" has been broadly addressed in the Church. For some, it is a side note to the creation story, perhaps even an antiquated expression lacking modern context. For others, it is a key concept, maybe even a core doctrinal mandate, calling for a genuine modern movement. Regardless of your position, understanding the word, as it was defined at its writing, is very important, if we are to form a timeless and accurate perspective of the idea of "dominion." Let's take a look at the famous verse that introduces us to the idea.
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
Genesis 1:28 (KJV)
The word “dominion” used in some English translations (in others – “rule”) is the Hebrew word “רָדָה” (râdâh), and it comes from the root word meaning “to tread down” or “to crumble” as one would if making wine from grapes, extracting olive oil from olives, or grinding flour from wheat berries. In other words, when the Father granted to us dominion, He was essentially calling us to take creation, the raw materials of God's imagination, to its next levels of process, development, and increase. In other words, He was saying, "You see all of this that I have made? I am giving it to you; and I am giving it to you so that you can reflect My image by blessing it and helping it to advance into its next forms and functions." It's not that what He made was incomplete or imperfect - it was all "GOOD!" But the Father planned potential into the earth that He intended for His sons and daughters to bring to fruition. This doesn't threaten His sovereignty or goodness - it manifests them!
This is confirmed in Romans 8:19-23, as creation itself groans and cries out for God's sons and daughters to be manifest, the fruit of which will be freedom from corruption and, presumably, into the destiny of plenty and perfection He has planned. Friends, dominion is blessing, transforming, and advancing, or it is not dominion at all. The perspective of "being in charge" or a "superior life form" limits the beauty of dominion to a hollow head trip. Sure, the idea of "dominion" feels good to us humans. Then you realize the responsibility that it carries - and you get the revelation that it is good...truly good. So, step out today, in the confidence of dominion, and go BLESS something!
Forever panning for gold,
Chris Liotta
