November 10, 2024
When you read the first chapter of Genesis, a phrase keeps appearing. The phrase comes at the end of each of the first six days of creation. The phrase is “And God saw that it was good.” Everything about God is good. As you read into chapter two you will find out how God created humans. Until we get to humans, God has always spoke His creation into existence, but Genesis 2:7 tells us God “formed” man from the dust of the ground and breathed into him the breath of life. Genesis 1:26-27 tells us God created man in “His own image.” The part of us that is made in God’s image is our spirit. Plants have a body and that is it. They have no self-awareness and have no mind, will or emotion. Animals on the other hand are a dichotomy (having two parts). Animals have a body but what makes them a step above vegetation is the fact that animals also have a soul (mind, will, emotion, self-awareness, and an awareness of their surroundings). Humankind is a step above the animals because humans are a trichotomy (having three parts). Humans have a body, soul, and spirit. By the way, the words soul and spirit are often used interchangeably in the Bible. I chose the word spirit to represent the third part of human nature because the Bible says God is a spirit and we are made in God’s image. Whichever word you want to use, soul or spirt, the important thing is, we are made in God’s image. God is a trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). Three Persons making up one God. We humans are a trichotomy (body, soul, and spirit). Three parts making up one body. Humans were the last thing that God created. When God looked over His completed creation, He saw that it was good. In fact, Genesis 1:31 tells us God saw that it was “very Good.” Genesis chapter two tells us that God placed the first man, Adam in a garden. God gave Adam two jobs. First, he was to tend (cultivate) the garden and second, he was to keep (protect) the garden. God was very generous in giving Adam his diet. Genesis 2:17 tells us that Adam could eat the fruit off all the trees, including the tree of life. Man was originally created to live forever. There was only one dietary restriction. God commanded Adam not to eat off the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If he broke this command, he would die. As we wrap up this week’s ponderings, notice a word in verse seventeen. Up until now, everything has been good. Now God introduces the word evil. Have you ever thought about why a good God would ever allow even the mention of evil into His very good creation? Tune in next week and we will see. Until then, remember, you are made in God’s image so….
Be blessed and then go be a blessing . . . Bro Andy
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