If I was going to pick an overriding theme or idea of these 4 chapters I think it would be reconciliation.
Jacob is quite the conniver (is that a word?). Anyway, I think he may have met his match in Laban. Over the years Laban has treated Jacob pretty unfairly, it seems, and Jacob took it without complaint. Through it all, God watched over Jacob and took care of him and even made him rich. The end of chapter 31 finds Laban and Jacob making a covenant. It seems they are reconciling.
Chapters 32&33 record the reconciliation of Jacob and Esau. Jacob seems to be pretty scared...rightfully, I think. He isn't sure how he will be received by Esau. It's been a long time (maybe 20-25 years) and Jacob left having cheated Esau out of his father's blessing. They make peace, but it's not like they ended up bosom buddies. They kind of go their separate ways but at least they let each other live in peace.
It seems to me that Jacob experiences both sides of forgiveness. He gives forgiveness to Laban and he receives forgiveness from Esau. I wonder if his experience with Laban wasn't a lesson to him of what it was like to be on the receiving end of deception. Maybe because of his years of working for Laban he was better able to understand Esau. So...when he approaches Esau, he does so humbly, offering gifts. He's afraid but he goes through with it.
Reconciliation is hard. Sometimes it's costly. It puts us in uncomfortable situations. But it's what God wants us to do. Because I've received forgiveness, I should offer forgiveness...whether it's accepted or not.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Day 12: Genesis 27-29
Today's reading takes us through Isaac's old age, his blessing of Jacob instead of Esau, Jacob working for Laban in order to obtain a wife (actually 2 wives, Leah & Rachel), and the birth of Jacob's first 4 sons.
I find myself thinking about all the deception and sin that is such an integral part of the beginnings of "God's chosen people." It seems odd, doesn't it? God has obviously chosen Abraham & Sarah, not Abraham & Hagar. He chose Isaac, not Ishmael. He has clearly chosen Jacob, not Esau, even though Jacob obtained this blessing from his father by deceiving him. If Jacob had not done this, would God have worked out another way for Jacob, the younger brother, to get this blessing? Why did God choose these people for His plan? Were they somehow better than other people? I don't think so. In fact, it sometimes seems that Hagar, Ishmael, and Esau are innocent victims of the sins of the people God has chosen.
These people did some horrible things. The only thing they really had going for them was that God chose them. They certainly didn't earn or deserve that choice. Often it seems that God worked out His plan through them in spite of the poor choices they made.
I've done some horrible things. The only thing I really have going for me is that God has chosen me (Eph. 1:11). I certainly didn't earn or deserve that choice. Often it seems that God works out His plan through me in spite of the poor choices I make.
I find myself thinking about all the deception and sin that is such an integral part of the beginnings of "God's chosen people." It seems odd, doesn't it? God has obviously chosen Abraham & Sarah, not Abraham & Hagar. He chose Isaac, not Ishmael. He has clearly chosen Jacob, not Esau, even though Jacob obtained this blessing from his father by deceiving him. If Jacob had not done this, would God have worked out another way for Jacob, the younger brother, to get this blessing? Why did God choose these people for His plan? Were they somehow better than other people? I don't think so. In fact, it sometimes seems that Hagar, Ishmael, and Esau are innocent victims of the sins of the people God has chosen.
These people did some horrible things. The only thing they really had going for them was that God chose them. They certainly didn't earn or deserve that choice. Often it seems that God worked out His plan through them in spite of the poor choices they made.
I've done some horrible things. The only thing I really have going for me is that God has chosen me (Eph. 1:11). I certainly didn't earn or deserve that choice. Often it seems that God works out His plan through me in spite of the poor choices I make.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Day 11: Genesis 24-26
Today's reading is fairly familiar territory.
Abraham's servant finds a wife for Isaac (Rebekah).
Abraham dies at age 175. I've always loved the a couple of the phrases used in describing him: "...an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people." That last phrase paints a fascinating and beautiful picture, I think, of death. As a Christ-follower, when I die I will be "gathered to my people." I think there's a lot of meaning there and I'm not sure I get it all...but I like it.
Jacob & Esau are born to Isaac & Rebekah.
Jacob swindles the birthright of the firstborn son from Esau. It's interesting to me that Esau is depicted as the one to blame here. It says, "So Esau despised his birthright." I think the lesson for me is that I need to be on my guard to protect my "birthright." It's MY responsibility to protect it and not to trade it away cheaply. I can't put the blame anywhere else if I do.
Isaac shows that he has learned from his father by lying to Abimilek about his wife. What is wrong with these people? He tells him she is his sister. Once again, Abimilek treats him mercifully in spite of his deception.
Esau gets married at age 40 to Judith...a Hittite. I think there is a world of meaning in the final phrase of this chapter: "They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah."
All in all it looks like these 3 chapters cover about 100 years of Hebrew history. Again I think it's worth noting that the Bible's goal doesn't seem to be to give a detailed historical account of everything that took place. I believe that what it includes is completely accurate but it certainly doesn't include everything. It concerns itself primarily with God's redemptive plan for humans and focuses on the events of history that show how He has interacted with us.
Abraham's servant finds a wife for Isaac (Rebekah).
Abraham dies at age 175. I've always loved the a couple of the phrases used in describing him: "...an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people." That last phrase paints a fascinating and beautiful picture, I think, of death. As a Christ-follower, when I die I will be "gathered to my people." I think there's a lot of meaning there and I'm not sure I get it all...but I like it.
Jacob & Esau are born to Isaac & Rebekah.
Jacob swindles the birthright of the firstborn son from Esau. It's interesting to me that Esau is depicted as the one to blame here. It says, "So Esau despised his birthright." I think the lesson for me is that I need to be on my guard to protect my "birthright." It's MY responsibility to protect it and not to trade it away cheaply. I can't put the blame anywhere else if I do.
Isaac shows that he has learned from his father by lying to Abimilek about his wife. What is wrong with these people? He tells him she is his sister. Once again, Abimilek treats him mercifully in spite of his deception.
Esau gets married at age 40 to Judith...a Hittite. I think there is a world of meaning in the final phrase of this chapter: "They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah."
All in all it looks like these 3 chapters cover about 100 years of Hebrew history. Again I think it's worth noting that the Bible's goal doesn't seem to be to give a detailed historical account of everything that took place. I believe that what it includes is completely accurate but it certainly doesn't include everything. It concerns itself primarily with God's redemptive plan for humans and focuses on the events of history that show how He has interacted with us.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Day 10: Genesis 20-23
In ch. 20 Abraham goes back to the "she is my sister" tactic with Abimilek with pretty much the same outcome he had with Pharoah. I'm convinced that Abraham would be a dead man by now if God weren't taking care of him.
In ch. 21 Isaac is born. It's a wonderful thing...for everyone except Hagar and Ishmael...who get sent away because of Sarah's insistence. Wait a minute...wasn't it her idea for Abraham & Hagar to get together in the first place? Yes, it was. Of course, Abraham (man of faith that he is) goes along with it. In any case, God also promises to take care of Hagar & Ishmael who will eventually give rise to a great nation as well. I have to say that I wonder sometimes if that was such a good idea.
Ch. 22 is the well-known account of God's testing of Abraham. He asks him to sacrifice his son Isaac. This passage raises a lot of questions for me: Was it unusual for God to ask for a human sacrifice? Yes, it was but we don't have any indication that Abraham thought this was out of the ordinary. For a guy who, from day one, kept trying to take care of things his own way he seems remarkably unquestioning now. Perhaps he has come a long way in his faith. Apparently God has finally convinced him that He's got it under control...and that even if this son whom he has waited on for 25 years...this son who is, so far, the only hope Abraham has for a future nation...even if he has to be killed God will find a way to keep His promise. Yeah, that's faith.
In ch. 23 Sarah dies at age 127. That means Abraham was 137 and Isaac was 37. Abraham mourns her loss...I found myself thinking of how he misused her by having a son with Hagar, by sharing her with powerful men in foreign lands. I imagine he probably thought about that as well.
I think it's interesting to read the negotiations for her burial plot. The men never really said exactly what they meant but both understood completely. Both wanted to seem generous and selfless but both knew what had to happen. They both got to "save face." This kind of thing would wear me out.
In ch. 21 Isaac is born. It's a wonderful thing...for everyone except Hagar and Ishmael...who get sent away because of Sarah's insistence. Wait a minute...wasn't it her idea for Abraham & Hagar to get together in the first place? Yes, it was. Of course, Abraham (man of faith that he is) goes along with it. In any case, God also promises to take care of Hagar & Ishmael who will eventually give rise to a great nation as well. I have to say that I wonder sometimes if that was such a good idea.
Ch. 22 is the well-known account of God's testing of Abraham. He asks him to sacrifice his son Isaac. This passage raises a lot of questions for me: Was it unusual for God to ask for a human sacrifice? Yes, it was but we don't have any indication that Abraham thought this was out of the ordinary. For a guy who, from day one, kept trying to take care of things his own way he seems remarkably unquestioning now. Perhaps he has come a long way in his faith. Apparently God has finally convinced him that He's got it under control...and that even if this son whom he has waited on for 25 years...this son who is, so far, the only hope Abraham has for a future nation...even if he has to be killed God will find a way to keep His promise. Yeah, that's faith.
In ch. 23 Sarah dies at age 127. That means Abraham was 137 and Isaac was 37. Abraham mourns her loss...I found myself thinking of how he misused her by having a son with Hagar, by sharing her with powerful men in foreign lands. I imagine he probably thought about that as well.
I think it's interesting to read the negotiations for her burial plot. The men never really said exactly what they meant but both understood completely. Both wanted to seem generous and selfless but both knew what had to happen. They both got to "save face." This kind of thing would wear me out.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Day 9: Genesis 17-19
Well, this is certainly an eventful passage...and most of it is R-rated. There's the lurid details of life in Sodom, there's the whole bit with Lot's daughters but I think the thing that is standing out to me is how God dealt with Abram/Abraham and Sarai/Sarah. God first calls Abram when he is 75 yrs old (Sarai must have been 65) and makes an amazing promise to him. This promise is reiterated several times over the years and here we find it being made again when he is 99 yrs old (so, do the math...Sarah is 89). Here's how it goes:
15 God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.”
17 Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!”
I love that last part in v. 18...the part about Ishmael. Abraham is still trying to help God out by offering him an "easier" solution. Hm...that sort of sounds like me. "I know You said you could do great and mighty things...you know, move mountains and all that...but let's be realistic." Yeah...I'm a real man of faith.
Now the promise gets specific: "...about this time next year...Sarah your wife will have a son." (18:10) After 25 years God will finally take the first step in fulfilling his promise made to Abram...next year. Do you blame Abraham and Sarah for laughing? (17:17 & 18:10)
A couple of things come to my mind here:
1. I'm very impatient. 25 YEARS!! Come on. I don't think I would have made it.
2. Paul tells us in Ephesians 3:20 that God is "...able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." Abraham seems to be limiting God to what he can imagine. He couldn't imagine having a child at his age...let alone a whole nation. I wonder what God can do in my life if I open the door to what only HE can imagine?
15 God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.”
17 Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!”
I love that last part in v. 18...the part about Ishmael. Abraham is still trying to help God out by offering him an "easier" solution. Hm...that sort of sounds like me. "I know You said you could do great and mighty things...you know, move mountains and all that...but let's be realistic." Yeah...I'm a real man of faith.
Now the promise gets specific: "...about this time next year...Sarah your wife will have a son." (18:10) After 25 years God will finally take the first step in fulfilling his promise made to Abram...next year. Do you blame Abraham and Sarah for laughing? (17:17 & 18:10)
A couple of things come to my mind here:
1. I'm very impatient. 25 YEARS!! Come on. I don't think I would have made it.
2. Paul tells us in Ephesians 3:20 that God is "...able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." Abraham seems to be limiting God to what he can imagine. He couldn't imagine having a child at his age...let alone a whole nation. I wonder what God can do in my life if I open the door to what only HE can imagine?
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Day 8: Genesis 14-16
In chapter 15 Abram questions God about this promise He keeps making. He's not a young man...he has no children...his wife is barren...so I believe I would be asking the same questions. God reiterates his promise to Abram in a graphic way. Then, in chapter 16, Abram once again demonstrates his lack of trust in God's promise by taking matters into his own hands by having a child with his wife's servant.
I sometimes wonder why the Bible includes information like this. I think if my goal was to write an inspiring narrative of history that pointed people to heroes we should emulate I would write about men and women who DIDN'T have these kinds of flaws. People who take God at His word and move forward at His command. The thing is, there's is no one like that. EVERYONE has flaws. Everyone is human. Everyone sins. That doesn't make it okay but it does highlight the fact that, left up to us, we would screw things up royally...but God accomplishes His will in His way and, while we applaud men and women of faith who are used by God to do great things, ultimately it's God who does it...not people. He gets all the credit.
By God's grace I live.
I sometimes wonder why the Bible includes information like this. I think if my goal was to write an inspiring narrative of history that pointed people to heroes we should emulate I would write about men and women who DIDN'T have these kinds of flaws. People who take God at His word and move forward at His command. The thing is, there's is no one like that. EVERYONE has flaws. Everyone is human. Everyone sins. That doesn't make it okay but it does highlight the fact that, left up to us, we would screw things up royally...but God accomplishes His will in His way and, while we applaud men and women of faith who are used by God to do great things, ultimately it's God who does it...not people. He gets all the credit.
By God's grace I live.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Day 7: Genesis 12-13
Abram doesn't really get a lot of respect from me in these chapters...even though God seems to think he's something pretty special. His reputation is one of great faith. The writers of the NT seem to universally praise him for this. God makes a lavish promise to Abram...not once, not twice, but 3 times in these 2 chapters alone...and yet, here he is, in Egypt giving his wife to Pharoah. He tells Pharoah she's his sister instead of his wife because he's afraid that, because she's so beautiful, Pharoah will kill him so that he could have her for himself. It doesn't seem like he's giving God much credit...or Pharoah for that matter. When Pharoah ultimately finds out about the ruse he gives her back to him and says be on your way. I think THAT is the time I would've expected Pharoah to kill him...after he'd been lied to. But no, he graciously allows them to leave with all their possessions...and their lives. I know I live in a different time...but I have to wonder what Sarai thought of all this.
I'm gonna ask when I meet her.
I'm gonna ask when I meet her.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Day 6: Genesis 10-11
Here come some genealogies. I always have a tendency to skim through these lists of names found in biblical history. I may look for names that I recognize but I have seldom gone any deeper than that. It's clear to me, though, that this is important information to the people of the day. They cared deeply about their ancestry. I wonder how important it is to God? Part of me thinks it isn't important at all because of the NT emphasis on the universal need for the gospel and how much God cares equally for ALL people regardless of lineage. And yet the Bible is replete with lists of generations up to and including the lineage of Christ in Matthew 1. Anyway, here we find the human family tree following Noah up until Abram.
I never really know what to make of the story of The Tower of Babel in ch. 11. None of the explanations of this event that I've heard have ever completely satisfied me. Many contain elements that make sense...like God punishing the people for their pride ("...so that we may make a name for ourselves..."). I find myself focusing on something else this time, though. Immediately after the phrase quoted above it says, "..and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." Then in vs. 8 it says "So the Lord scattered them from there over the earth..." and vs. 9 ends with "From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth." So far, I guess, the people weren't really interested in spreading out. Maybe they didn't have that drive to explore...the curiosity about what might be over the next ridge. But it seems God really wanted them to fill the whole planet.
What I have to remind myself is that these first 11 chapters of Genesis cover 2000 years of human history, give or take. It make sense that there's not going to be a lot of detail.
I never really know what to make of the story of The Tower of Babel in ch. 11. None of the explanations of this event that I've heard have ever completely satisfied me. Many contain elements that make sense...like God punishing the people for their pride ("...so that we may make a name for ourselves..."). I find myself focusing on something else this time, though. Immediately after the phrase quoted above it says, "..and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." Then in vs. 8 it says "So the Lord scattered them from there over the earth..." and vs. 9 ends with "From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth." So far, I guess, the people weren't really interested in spreading out. Maybe they didn't have that drive to explore...the curiosity about what might be over the next ridge. But it seems God really wanted them to fill the whole planet.
What I have to remind myself is that these first 11 chapters of Genesis cover 2000 years of human history, give or take. It make sense that there's not going to be a lot of detail.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Day 5: Genesis 8-9; Psalm 12
To be honest, today's Psalm is a bit of a downer. It opens with these uplifting words:
1 Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore;
those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.
2 Everyone lies to their neighbor;
they flatter with their lips
but harbor deception in their hearts.
The thing is, experience proves it to be true. In fact, if I'm completely honest, it includes me as well. Thank God for His grace!
Why is this Psalm linked to this particular passage in Genesis for today's reading? Check out Noah. Here he is, the one man in all the earth that found favor in the eyes of God...enough so that he and his family are the absolute only humans that survive the devastation that God brings. And yet after all he goes through we find him naked and in a drunken stupor in 9:20-23. I'm not completely sure what's going on here. I'm pretty sure there's stuff going on between the lines of scripture here that I'm missing...but it's bad, whatever it is. The point, to me, is that Psalm 12 is proved to be true. Even righteous Noah is included in the opening words of Psalm 12. I think Paul says it this way in Romans 3:23 - "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".
It's hard to leave this thought hanging because it's such a downer...but I know what's coming - forgiveness through Christ. But I think it may be a good reminder that I don't deserve it...at all.
1 Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore;
those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.
2 Everyone lies to their neighbor;
they flatter with their lips
but harbor deception in their hearts.
The thing is, experience proves it to be true. In fact, if I'm completely honest, it includes me as well. Thank God for His grace!
Why is this Psalm linked to this particular passage in Genesis for today's reading? Check out Noah. Here he is, the one man in all the earth that found favor in the eyes of God...enough so that he and his family are the absolute only humans that survive the devastation that God brings. And yet after all he goes through we find him naked and in a drunken stupor in 9:20-23. I'm not completely sure what's going on here. I'm pretty sure there's stuff going on between the lines of scripture here that I'm missing...but it's bad, whatever it is. The point, to me, is that Psalm 12 is proved to be true. Even righteous Noah is included in the opening words of Psalm 12. I think Paul says it this way in Romans 3:23 - "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".
It's hard to leave this thought hanging because it's such a downer...but I know what's coming - forgiveness through Christ. But I think it may be a good reminder that I don't deserve it...at all.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Day 4: Genesis 6-7
This is another one of those places in the Bible that people sort of get side-tracked, I think, and start trying to read with a view to the science involved instead of the real point, which is the wickedness involved. Whenever scripture talks about things that are miraculous, things that are different from the natural order of things, we have a tendency to try to figure put "how" God did it. In other words, we try to figure out a natural explanation for something that is clearly supernatural. I think we need to approach the miraculous with a healthy dose of humility. What I mean is that God is...well, God. We were created by Him (ch 1-2) not the other way around. If we have the ability to explain everything God does with a "natural" explanation then we sort of reduce God to our terms...the Creator becomes subject to the created.
The real point of this passage to me is found in 6:5 - "The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time." What an indictment! "Every inclination..." and "only evil all the time." It makes me wonder about today's world. There is a tendency to talk about how evil our world is...and it is...but are we there yet? How close are we? And, if (when) we do get there, what will happen? God has promised (in an upcoming passage) that He will never destroy the world with a flood again. Will He use another method? Will (as Jesus seems to indicate in one of His parables) He simply allow us to continue until Jesus' 2nd coming and the final judgment day? Or, has the issue of evil been forever addressed with the sacrifice of God's Son on the cross? That's what I think. Maybe we'll find out later in the book if we keep reading.
The real point of this passage to me is found in 6:5 - "The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time." What an indictment! "Every inclination..." and "only evil all the time." It makes me wonder about today's world. There is a tendency to talk about how evil our world is...and it is...but are we there yet? How close are we? And, if (when) we do get there, what will happen? God has promised (in an upcoming passage) that He will never destroy the world with a flood again. Will He use another method? Will (as Jesus seems to indicate in one of His parables) He simply allow us to continue until Jesus' 2nd coming and the final judgment day? Or, has the issue of evil been forever addressed with the sacrifice of God's Son on the cross? That's what I think. Maybe we'll find out later in the book if we keep reading.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Day 3: Genesis 3-5
Just when everything seemed to be going right these first humans mess it all up. They just couldn't leave well enough alone. No matter how good they had it they felt they were missing something. They had to have something more. Hm...sounds a lot like me, actually. If I'm honest I have to admit that if Adam & Eve had not sinned...and somehow all the generations of men and women after them had not sinned...and it finally got to me...I would have. Sad, but true.
I couldn't help but notice that almost immediately after the "Fall" God begins to explain to people the need for righteousness...that to be accepted by God requires perfect obedience to His will. He says this to Cain in 4:7 - "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” How successful have I been to "rule over it"? Not very. Already, it seems, God is pointing to the need for a Savior.
I couldn't help but notice that almost immediately after the "Fall" God begins to explain to people the need for righteousness...that to be accepted by God requires perfect obedience to His will. He says this to Cain in 4:7 - "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” How successful have I been to "rule over it"? Not very. Already, it seems, God is pointing to the need for a Savior.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Day 2: John 1:1-3; Psalm 8; Psalm 104
We seem to be continuing with the theme of creation. The John passage reminds me that Jesus was actively involved in the creation of all that is. Perhaps this is part of the reason that God says, "Let us make humans in our image...after our likeness."
The fact that I am a created being really does make a difference in every aspect of my existence. It's a very humbling thing to be created...like a recipe from the Food Network. I'm nothing more than a reflection of God's creativity. I get no credit for who I am or what I can do.
But then there's that "in the image of God" thing. I may be just a creation but I'm a pretty special creation. In fact Psalm 8 says: "You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor." So...not only does the fact that I'm created humble me...it also gives life meaning and purpose. I didn't just happen because of some 1 in 1 quadrillion chance alignment of the right chemicals and conditions...I was made by Someone. That Someone wants me here.
It's a pretty amazing thing when you think about it.
The fact that I am a created being really does make a difference in every aspect of my existence. It's a very humbling thing to be created...like a recipe from the Food Network. I'm nothing more than a reflection of God's creativity. I get no credit for who I am or what I can do.
But then there's that "in the image of God" thing. I may be just a creation but I'm a pretty special creation. In fact Psalm 8 says: "You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor." So...not only does the fact that I'm created humble me...it also gives life meaning and purpose. I didn't just happen because of some 1 in 1 quadrillion chance alignment of the right chemicals and conditions...I was made by Someone. That Someone wants me here.
It's a pretty amazing thing when you think about it.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Day 1: Genesis 1-2
Several things stand out to me here:
1. The Bible is not a science text book. Seems to me, especially in the creation accounts, that many people try to read it as if it were. I don't think the author is attempting to give us a detailed description of the process by which everything came to be. It seems more like the important point is that God is behind it all.
2. This is the only real glimpse we have of life on this planet before anyone sinned. Sadly, that period of time is remarkably short. I find it interesting that it wasn't just humanity that was affected by sin, but the entire creation.
3. 1:27 says that God created humans in His own image. This has always fascinated me. What, exactly, does that mean? Actually the text says "after OUR likeness". The Message uses the phrase "reflecting our nature." There is something about us humans that is different than every other part of the universe as we know it. I think we all sense that on some level. We have a sense of morality within us. We ask questions like, "Where did I come from? What happens after I die?" We have eternity within us. Perhaps this is part of being made in the image of God. I think this requires further meditation.
1. The Bible is not a science text book. Seems to me, especially in the creation accounts, that many people try to read it as if it were. I don't think the author is attempting to give us a detailed description of the process by which everything came to be. It seems more like the important point is that God is behind it all.
2. This is the only real glimpse we have of life on this planet before anyone sinned. Sadly, that period of time is remarkably short. I find it interesting that it wasn't just humanity that was affected by sin, but the entire creation.
3. 1:27 says that God created humans in His own image. This has always fascinated me. What, exactly, does that mean? Actually the text says "after OUR likeness". The Message uses the phrase "reflecting our nature." There is something about us humans that is different than every other part of the universe as we know it. I think we all sense that on some level. We have a sense of morality within us. We ask questions like, "Where did I come from? What happens after I die?" We have eternity within us. Perhaps this is part of being made in the image of God. I think this requires further meditation.
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