Did you know that there were two different Creation stories? Many people don't know that! The first story was written approximately 1500 BC while the second story was written approximately 900 BC. Notice the style and the word usage in the two stories: how is God addressed, what is the sequence of events, how is God portrayed, what style and wording does the author use?
In Genesis 1:26- 28, the author writes about God creating people in God's image. How does that make you feel, that you are created in the image of God. What is that image? When you think of God, what do you imagine, what do you see? The author continues in v. 31 and writes that God was well pleased. We are pleasing to God!
In Genesis 2, we hear a slightly different Creation story, but I think an important point is brought up by the author in v.7-- God breathed into the nostrils of the first person and they were brought to life. Every day God breaths life into us; the Spirit of God dwells in us and gives us life. Any comments?
Paul emphasizes these points to the people in Ephesus. Paul writes about how we were selected, even before the world was created, to be part of God's family (Ephesians 1:4) and that all God has to offer us is available for us: salvation, redemption, hope, forgiveness. Can you relate to that? How would you express that to someone who is on the fence about God? Do you live your life with that in mind?
Finally, Psalm 148 calls all of creation to praise God. Sometimes it is difficult to praise God, isn't it? Cancer, death, chaos, natural disasters, pain; the list could go on. People may look around and say, "If there is a God, why is this happening?" Do you take time to praise God-- on a daily basis, or do you like to complain more? What are one or two aspects of your life that you'd like to praise God about?
Please comment and add your thoughts. Reminder- please be respectful and aware that we are all on the same journey, just maybe taking different paths!
The next reading set will be for Friday, February 10, 2017: Genesis 3 and 4, Ephesians 2.
Genesis 2:16-17 Eat of the Tree of Wisdom and your eyes are opened and you will be doomed to die
ReplyDeleteEphesians 1:16-17 Paul asks God to give you wisdom to see clearly so we know what is good in the eyes of God
One would think that God had the intent to give us wisdom all along, taking that moment to test man's willpower. How often does he dangle the carrot. I often picture Genesis' God to be a child creating his toys, playing his games. It reminds me of Roman & Greek Gods, learning lessons through difficult challenges, like Prometheus.
Hmmm...that's an interesting thought. The concept of free will is there-- we have the ability to take the fruit from the tree, but do we do it? I frequently make the comment to my kids at school, "You make the decisions you want and I will back you up, but those decisions will have consequences....some are good, some are bad. You decide." You think that's what God is saying here?
ReplyDeleteA few things I noticed in my readings. Genesis 1:26 (NLT study bible) Then God said " Let US make human beings in OUR image,to be like US." I don't think I ever noticed the US or OUR before. My study bible says it is the Trinity. The Father The Son and The Holy Spirit. Wouldn't that suggest God already knew the fall of man would happen? He already knew Jesus would be crucified on the cross? I guess I didn't think there was a Trinity until the birth of Christ.
ReplyDeleteAlso a question. Ephesians 1: 12-13 God's purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christian would bring praise and glory to God. (13) and now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. If we all came from Adam and Eve how is there a separation between Jews and the rest of us?
In response to the post. When I think of God a picture a bright light. I suppose that image stems from movies. I never really thought about how we are created in his image. Does that mean physical image or spiritual image?
I'm not sure how I would express what God offers to someone who is on the fence. I know that I have always believed but since I have started following I have found an inner peace that I have never known before. Life seems easier now. Less complicated, less anger, less fear, more love, more peace, and more joy. I find I don't complain to God anymore. I just thank him. I thank him for his blessings. And although I want more things or nicer things. I know I don't need more.
Good question Shannon...when did the Trinity come into existence. Could it have always been there- and we just realize the Son part when Jesus comes to earth?
ReplyDeleteI am sure that God "knew" the fall would happen- we can always go back to the concept of free will. In that case, God also knew that Jesus would come and offer grace and salvation to all who would accept.
The earliest Christians (post-resurrection) were Jews that believed Jesus was the Messiah; they slowly "morphed" into the religion Christianity. (Most) Current Jews believe that Jesus was a prophet but not the Messiah; they are still waiting for the Messiah to appear. From the Creation stories, one can say that all people did arise from Adam and Eve, but not all had the same theological beliefs. Pagans, Gentiles, Jews, etc...all had their own theology about who/what controlled the cosmos. The Jews understood that God was the One.
Thank you. That makes more sense to me now.
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ReplyDeleteI also noticed the "US" in Genesis 1-2. But I took it more as that God is all people and all things simultaneously. God made Adam and Eve. God is male female and neither all at once.
ReplyDeleteTo comment on Ephesians, "In [God] we have obtained an inheritance, have been predestined according to the purpose of [the one] who works all things according to the counsel of [their] will" What does this say about free will? If we are predisposed, as it states, do we even have free will?
My only comment on Psalms 148... I need to find a version of the bible that uses gender neutral language for God.
Do we ever have free will? Adam and Eve did, but they ate the fruit...we do have free will, but...there are consequences! You know what I say to my school kids!
ReplyDeleteI think the predestiny that Paul talks about is the predestiny of being adopted into Gods family?
Re the gender neutral...there aren't too many. When I read in church, I usually change the words of the scriptures to be gender neutral or gender inclusive.
Even if we are predestined to be adopted into Gods family, shouldn't that still be something we choose?
DeleteI guess the pastor response is we do have that opportunity. God welcomes all people and we are freely able to follow God or not, we are freely able to part of God's family or not. The decision is ours, the invitation is always there.
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