I’ll apologize now if my notes are a little messy and convoluted. That’s kind of how my brain has been working today!
While the first chapter of Genesis describes how God created everything in the universe, the second chapter focuses on the details surrounding the creation of man. Now man is in the spotlight because we are God’s masterpiece. I love this partial quote from last night’s lecture:
“…Man is a glorious creature. Beautiful in form…the exalted and glorious highpoint of all of God’s creation.”
Knowing we are created by God should give us significance and self-worth. And we should be driven to worship God.
God created us to show Himself to the world, to work (specifically, to do God’s work) and to have human relationships. Our greatest purpose is that we’re made for God. We were created to find our soul satisfaction in God. Am I seeking it elsewhere?
Now, let’s talk about the creation of man. God created Adam from the dust of the earth. Then He breathed His own breath into Adam, giving him life. Do you need proof of this fact? Scientists say the dust of the ground is made of every element found in the human body!
We are perfectly and miraculously made. We have personality. We have a spirit. We were created to glorify and enjoy God forever!
As I mentioned before, God also designed us for work. God commanded Adam to work before the Fall, before Adam and Eve sinned against God. Work is not a curse; it’s an opportunity. What is my attitude about my duties at home? Am I persistent, faithful and productive at work? We can demonstrate our gratitude to God by how we work.
Finally, God prepared Adam to see his need for a helper. The term “helper” here does not refer to someone who is secondary but to a partner or, more accurately, a military ally. A husband and a wife are a team united together against the world. God’s primary purpose for man and woman is to be companions. How am I embracing Chris, who is my God-given ally in my marriage? Am I promoting intimacy and communication in my marriage? Am I training Avery to seek a marital relationship with a Christian man?
Speaking of Avery, here she is reciting this week’s verse: