Today's Reading:

Genesis 1
Genesis 2

 

 

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Light/darkness, sky, sea/land, day/night, plants/animals all were created and separated into their own categories. Then God rested and called the day holy. This framework was done in 6 days with the 7th day for a Sabbath or rest. Now this has created theories among people whether it was 6 literal 24-hour day periods, or days as in chunks of time but not a literal day format. No matter where you fall on the timeline of creation, that debate is not the point of scripture. Each of the 66 books of the Bible are created through God to show us His character. What we do agree on is that God made everything which shows his Supreme authority and power, and it is fantastic.

 

 

I am so glad you are here today to unpack what we have read. Remember to do your best, and I will try to summarize some of the key points that I have read or learned over the years that I find confusing or interesting. We are on this journey together. We are starting out in Genesis, the 1st book of the Old Testament. This is part of the book of Laws, which are the first 5 books in the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. You may also here them referred to as the Pentateuch (in Greek) or the Torah (in Hebrew). The Old Testament (pre-Jesus) is usually referred to in the language of Hebrew as it was originally written in Hebrew while the New Testament (time of Jesus) was written in Greek for the spread of Christianity to reach more nations. As we read through the Bible, we will skip around as this is a chronological plan, meaning we are reading in a time line order, not from cover to cover.

There is so much to unpack in just the first few lines of the Bible. God has created an ideal state that is pure and beautiful both in the physical heavens (sky, clouds, moon, outer space) and in the spiritual realm (dwelling place of God). In the beginning we get time, space and matter. God has a plan reaching farther than one can dream. The Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) is there from the start, the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) was hovering over the waters in a protective and tender manner, and in Genesis 1:26 “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…”. God’s sovereignty (reign and absolute authority over the universe) has a promise of a life and structure that He creates. Humans are made in His image, and Blessed. God defines what is good versus evil and gives humans free will- the Tree of Life, choices. With choices come consequences.

In Genesis 2:4 the word LORD appears in all capitals to denote God’s name YHWH (Yahweh). Modern scholars attribute the name YHWH to the sounds of inhale/exhale in which every breath utters Gods name symbolizing our dependance on Him for life. In Genesis 2:7 God “breathed” the “breath of life” into Adam making him a “living being”. In the New Testament gospel of John 19:30 it links the Spirits outpouring at Pentecost (Christian holiday that celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after his Ascension) like a rushing wind to YHWH’s being to resurrection life. No matter how you think of His name, know God has created all things and man, including the Tree of Life (eternal life) and the Tree of Knowledge (discerning good and evil) in the lush Garden of Eden.

To create a helper for Adam, God took a “rib” from Adam. The word rib is translated from the Hebrew word “tsela” meaning to lean, to incline, something protruding from the side. It can mean rib, but typically refers to the side, flank or projection verses a bone. Coming from Adams side as a helper is now better understood as an equal counterpart. Eve is not above or below Adam, but equal. We will read about the fall of humanity in the next few chapters, but for now look at the sky and the world around you and feel the presence of God through his creation.

Today's discussion question: 

We closed with "look at the sky and the world around you and feel the presence of God through his creation." What in nature—whether the vast heavens, a gentle breeze, or something every day—most reminds you of God's tender, protective care as described in Genesis 1–2?

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