Genesis chapter three is all about Adam and his wife messing up. They eat from that tree of knowledge of good and evil God specifically told them not to. I used to be a youth pastor and the question I have been asked a thousand times regarding this text is, 'why did God put those trees in the garden if he didn't want them to eat it?' Great question. I think the answer is simple; God loved and trusted man enough to take the risk. From the very beginning God loved us freely and invites us to do the same.
We all know the story here; Adam and his wife choose to do what God told them not to. Consequently, God issues a series of curses. What I find most interesting here is the final stipulation; expulsion. God's reasoning for banning man from the garden is to prevent him from eating of the tree of life and living forever. Could you imagine all the bad choices a person could make if she lived forever? A reading of the next portion of the Old Testament reveals a continuing separation from God, worsening as time progresses. The poison of the knowledge of evil sinks in deeper as time progresses. Limiting our lifespan was a merciful act.
Thank you, Lord, for showing mercy. Even in your own heartbreak you look out for me. Even me. Who am I, really, that you would care for me? When I make bad choices you are still loving. This is why I pray, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Amen.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Monday, February 1, 2016
The Original Blueprint
So, I'm attempting to read the Hebrew text again, and, let me say something about that: Use it or lose it. I am struggling. Maybe I should hunt down all my handmade flashcards. I must have had a thousand of those at some point. I suppose I shall add Hebrew vocabulary to the long list of things I used to know.
So, in reading Genesis chapter two I am reminded that God created Adam for relationship. Even though in chapter one I read that God created them male and female, as if it happened at the exact same time, in chapter two, the author creates a picture of creation where Adam was alone in creation, without a mate or helper. I find it interesting that even though I will later read that God was present in Eden with man that he is still concerned about Adam being alone. Perhaps, in order to truly be created in God's image, we need to experience relationship with each other. In the same way that God is reflected in us, we are reflected in each other. This is good for me to reflect upon, (ah, see what I did there,) when dealing with people I really don't like.
God, help me to recognize the things I have in common with others, namely the common denominator linking all of humanity; our original blueprint. Help me to be kind. Help me to see others through your eyes and help me mold my behavior accordingly. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Amen
So, in reading Genesis chapter two I am reminded that God created Adam for relationship. Even though in chapter one I read that God created them male and female, as if it happened at the exact same time, in chapter two, the author creates a picture of creation where Adam was alone in creation, without a mate or helper. I find it interesting that even though I will later read that God was present in Eden with man that he is still concerned about Adam being alone. Perhaps, in order to truly be created in God's image, we need to experience relationship with each other. In the same way that God is reflected in us, we are reflected in each other. This is good for me to reflect upon, (ah, see what I did there,) when dealing with people I really don't like.
God, help me to recognize the things I have in common with others, namely the common denominator linking all of humanity; our original blueprint. Help me to be kind. Help me to see others through your eyes and help me mold my behavior accordingly. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Amen
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