TTB: Genesis 1-2

Stand-out Verse: "Then the LORD God said, 'It is not good for man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him'" Genesis 2:18

Little Insights:

*The Trinity was present at creation. The Hebrew word used of God is Elohim, it is used as a plural noun with a singular verb denoting the Trinity. (Gen. 1:1-2 God & Spirit; John 1:1-4)

The Hebrew word bara serves as the Western created and is used only of God. Only He can bara something- create it with His word ex nihilo .

*God is the one who orders and brings order to the voids of my life. (Gen. 1:2)

*God is the first for female equality! (Gen. 1:27)

*God's ordered creation designates roles for the sexes that are different, yet complimentary for God's glory (Gen 2:18, 22-24)

*God glories in His own creation- that's how awesome it is. (Gen 1:31-2:3)

*From the beginning of human life, and even in ideal conditions, man is by nature a dependent thing, unlike God, who is self-sustaining. (McIntosh)

I just have to take the time to quote this commentary because it is insightful regarding the Creation account:

"Genesis is not the oldest book that provides an account of origins. Critics like to point out similarities between Genesis 1-2 and the stories of origin found in other cultures. Scholars sometimes suggest that the author of Genesis borrowed his material from earlier pagan accounts. Doing so, they argue that Genesis is not an original work. However, close scrutiny of the pagan accounts of origins reveals strong differences with the Genesis narrative of beginnings. One study of numerous pagan myths concludes that three elements are always present: (1) some from of monster opposes or restrains creation; (2) the monster is defeated by a heroic deity, and life-producing powers are released; and (3) the god comes to control those powers. Not really creation stories, these pagan accounts describe beings that already exist alongside their creator deity. While it is reasonable to expect that pagan accounts would have some features in common with the biblical story, likeness does not require dependence. Moses did not revert to myths. The Bible explains that he received the truth directly from God: "With [Moses] I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles" (Numbers 12:6-8) (McIntosh)

YDW (Your Daily Walk) encouraged us to look out a window and praise God for His creation. I see the snow-capped mountains from my kitchen window and I know the beauty of their winter garb enflamed by the pink and purple shadows of the setting sun. I look at Madeleine and the artistry of her creamy olive skin, rosy cheeks and blue-grey eyes. I watch the wind gently touch the long olive branches of the tree in the front yard and the bees touch down to pollenate a new flower;I marvel at the interconnectedness of nature as it brings glory to God simply by being.

Just for fun: Rent and watch Planet Earth in Blue Ray or HD-DVD. Doesn't it bring tears to your eyes as you realize that the God who created all the world and knows its height, depth, breadth and mysteries wants to reveal Himself to you? (Psalm 139:13-14)

Love, Lauren