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Pray First: Ask God's Spirit to calm your heart and open your ears and eyes.
Day 2 Genesis 2:4-25, God creates for Life
Background: It may seem odd to read both creation accounts in the Bible. Each one tells the creation story for different reasons. The two work together to give us a better understanding of why God breathed life into humanity. Chapter 2 is provided by Moses to show His readers that God’s plan for humanity was not rebellion. Moses writes chapter 2 to provide the original plan so that one can see how the fall altered humanity’s understanding of life. The theme of life in creation and death in the fall is introduced and affirmed throughout this text. He also uses the text to remind them that God nourishes and provides for His people. In other words humanity is the recipient, God is the giver. . . Humanity is the needy God is the provider.. . . Humanity was created to enjoy God by being in a dependant relationship with Him and following His plan for our lives. It should be remembered that chapters 2 and 3 are one story. Chapter 2 sets up chapter 3.
Throughout this text look at humanity’s original reason for existence. Before the fall, God gave Adam the distinct pleasure of being apart of His plan. Adam’s focus was on serving and pleasing God by playing his role in God’s world.
Things to Consider:
Look at verse 7. Humanity is once again set apart from the rest of creation to be in a special relationship with God as he personally breathed life into them. Why do you think Moses tells the story of the beginning of human life in such a poetic way? How does this define God’s relationship with humans?
Verses 8-17. God provides an environment and blessings.
What kind of place did God provide for Adam to live in? (Keep in mind rivers were associated with fertility which = blessing.)
God puts the tree of life in the Garden, which will bring humanity life forever. He also puts the tree of knowledge there which if eaten from will bring humanity death. (meaning spiritual and physical death) If the readers knew that Adam had chosen death instead of life and they were banned from the tree of life, why did Moses include this description in his story? What did it remind people? Who does Moses show is responsible for the death of humanity?
What role does Adam have in the original creation? Since work existed before the fall, what does that tell you about work?
Verses 18-25 God further provides for the needs of His creation
What needed to happen for God’s plan to be complete?
What motivated God to create the woman? How does this knowledge of God’s character comfort you as you think about your needs?
What do you learn about God’s plan for relationships from these verses?
Why does Moses end this chapter on God’s original plan with the topic of shame? What role does shame (before God and other people) play in our lives? How has shame shaped your confidence and trust in God and your relationships with other people?
Does the knowledge of who God is and His original plan make you upset that humanity betrayed Him and fell?In other words, does this text make you desire for things to be pure again?
Challenge for the Day: Think what this world would be like if Sin hadn’t entered into the picture?