This week’s lesson was all about God’s perfect preparation for the arrival of man. This reminded me (and my teaching leader!) about all of the work we go through to prepare for the arrival of a new baby. God created a “nursery” for man, including a humidifier, an overhead light, a nightlight, blankets and toys.

Day 1 – The earth was black and formless. Then God spoke light into existence. He called the light day and the darkness night.

Day 2 – He created an expanse between the waters, a layer of sky to separate the atmosphere from the waters.

Day 3 – Waters were pushed apart, creating land boundaries. The land produced seed-bearing vegetation. The plants and trees had the ability to reproduce.

Day 4 – God created the sun to govern the day, the moon to govern the night and stars.

Day 5 – He created birds to fill the air and fish to fill the seas. He told them to be fruitful and increase in number.

Day 6 – God created land animals and blessed them to multiply. But they were limited to reproduce after their own kind. This disproves the theory of evolution. God provided food for man through plants and trees, so He didn’t have to create animals. They were created for man’s enjoyment and responsibility. In the middle of this day, God created man. This is the peak of God’s creation because man is the only thing made in the image of God. Besides blessing mankind to multiply, God also gives man privileges and responsibilities. At the end of this day, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).

There are so many applications from this seemingly simple lesson:

  • The Bible is God’s light. It separates the darkness from our lives. In any dark situation, God still has a plan for light. Is the light of God’s Word revealing anything that God wants me to change?
  • There was a perfect order to everything God created. Nothing was random. Each day laid a foundation for the next day. And each part of creation included limits and boundaries. Do I recognize that today God gives me exactly what I need for tomorrow? Does God need to reestablish His order in some area of my life?
  • We are different than the rest of creation because we reflect God and His character. How am I reflecting God? Do others see Him through my actions and attitudes?
  • Because we are created in God’s image, we have great privilege and value. Whenever you doubt your worth, take time to read Psalm 139 and look at yourself through God’s eyes.
  • I am responsible for tending and cultivating the people God has put in my domain. Who are you helping grow in God’s garden?

Scripture memorization is one aspect of the BSF school program (which I’m involved in) and the preschool program (which Avery attends with my mom). Each week, we work on memorizing the BSF verse as a family. So I’ll post Avery’s memory verse here along with my weekly summaries.

She struggled a little with the first verse (“I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” Psalm 119:16) but did much better this week.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1
BSF 2012-2013: Genesis 1:1-2:1