Genesis: The Beginning
Developing a Human Culture 1-9-16
READ: Genesis Chapters 4-5
Now Adam and Eve are outside the garden, so life takes on a new beginning as a human culture or society develops. God leaves His word to this couple on how to practice faith and live outside the garden; they are to pass God’s instructions down as the culture grows.
Genesis: The Beginning
The Beginning of Choice 1-8-16
READ: Genesis 3
Yesterday, we read how the LORD God created people. Today we will read how because of a desire for authentic relationship based on trust, Yahweh–who is self-giving and unfailing Love–extends man and woman the freedom of choice.
Genesis: The Beginning
God Created People
READ: Genesis 2:4-25
Yesterday, we focused our attention on God’s creation of His Earth; on the sixth day people were a part of that creation. Today, we will read an expanded explanation of God’s creation of human beings—it is like bringing a magnifying glass to small print so we can understand more—as God creates Adam and Eve. The phrase that helps us understand this is an expanded explanation is the phrase, “When the Lord…”
Now that you have read Genesis 1:1-2:3, let’s break down some important words in each verse.
Genesis 1:1-2
v.1 “In the Beginning” refers to the beginning of when God created; not to the beginning of eternity.
v.1 “God” (Elohim—Creator and Judge is plural—supreme power) has existed in eternity.
v.1 “Created” God—created the universe out of ex nihilo (out of nothing).
v.1 “Heavens and earth” refers to the entire cosmos.
v.2 “Formless” or “empty” refers to substance in the creation process. God created matter that was otherwise without order/chaos.
v.2 “darkness covered the waters” darkness existed.
v.2 “Spirit of God” refers to the Holy Spirit; Breath of God.
Genesis 1:3-31
v.3 “Then God said” refers to creative time of bringing order and the way God chose to create…He spoke and it manifest.
v.3 “Light” evidently existed prior to the creation of the sun (day 4). Scripture teaches God is the source of light but it appears he made a temporary light at this time.
v.4 “God made space between or separated” the light/darkness; waters below and above the sky; land/sea. In this separation, God gives form to creation and fills it so it is no longer formless or empty.
v.5 “Day..Night” God created time by determining what a day would be. Ends Day 1.
I invite you to enjoy the study of Genesis “The Beginning” for the next few weeks (ending Ash Wednesday). Along with my own personal study, I have explored thoughts from other studies on Genesis. May we all learn and grow from this time together.
Genesis is a book of beginnings that are waiting to be discovered. The word Genesis is translated “Beginning.”
* The Beginning of Creation: Our readings include the beginning of the universe and the beginning of humanity that is loved and taken care of by a sovereign God.
* The Beginning of Choice: How sin happened and the suffering and death that followed human disobedience.
* The Beginning of Redemption: God makes and keeps His promises to be faithful to all He has created; so as we read we will see God’s follow up work of redemption.
* The Beginning of Faith: In return, humanity needs to remain faithful to the Creator, because only God can help humanity overcome the evil that plagues the human soul.
The Great Interruption
ReRead: John 20:19-20
Saturday 4/4/15 Day 40
Ponder: Mary shares with the disciples that she has seen the Lord. They are still afraid and hiding behind locked doors in spite of her message. Suddenly, Jesus is standing in their midst. He speaks to them, “Peace be with you.” They are struggling to believe it is Jesus. Do you ever struggle with believing the reality of a living God who presents himself to you? Please notice, Jesus does not stop there and leave. Instead, he shows them his wounds and tells them his resurrection story. Instead of fear now they are filled with joy. Jesus then offers the same line as before but adds further instruction, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you. Receive the Holy Spirit (he breathes on them).” Jesus then commissions them to forgive the sins of others.
Practice: Jesus connects faith and forgive-ness with forward movement. Fear has to go, and forgiveness has to be granted. If you are holding unforgiveness in your heart, you will hinder the work of the Spirit. God wants to bring peace and joy in exchange for fear and unforgiveness. What an Easter Gift is Jesus!
Prayer: Father, thank You for the work of Jesus to forgive my sins so I may know life with You. Holy Spirit, help me to forgive others, because of what you have done for me. Fill me with Your peace as I follow your commands of love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mission: The resurrected life is given as a gift, so go and interrupt the world with the story of God’s Love and Light in Christ. God loves you not because you do everything right, but because He created you and the world. Invite someone to join us at church as we celebrate Resurrection Sunday!
The Great Interruption
ReRead: John 20:17-18
Friday 4/3/15 Day 39
Ponder: Mary wants to hold onto Jesus, but he tells her she must let him go. Jesus reminds Mary, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Jesus’ comment brings Mary sweet peace and comfort. She knows she is connected to God now. Mary leaves to find and tell his disciples; she does what Jesus asks of her. The disciples are presently hiding from the religious leaders. Fear has stopped them in their tracks. They do not know how to move forward. Jesus sends Mary with the message, “I have seen the Lord.” The message is beautiful. When we have seen the Lord, we have a story to tell others. Christ in us becomes the Great Interruption and source of hope for others to move forward with God.
The Great Interruption
ReRead: John 20:15-16
Thursday 4/2/15 Day 38
Ponder: Jesus calls Mary by name. It is how Jesus chooses to announce his resurrection; he says Mary’s name and she recognizes his Voice. Mary has heard Jesus call her by name before, but now it is overwhelming to her. Why? Because this Voice that calls her by name rises up within her in great power; it is the Voice of God within. Others will encounter and experience Jesus in similar ways; the Voice that speaks to them while walking on the road, greets them from behind closed doors, prays over bread and fish…Jesus will speak their names. Have you heard him speak your name?
The Great Interruption
Read: John 20:1-20
Wednesday 4/1/15 Day 37
Ponder: Mary Magdalene is devastated; the tomb is empty. Through her tears she sees two angels in white. One sitting where the head of Jesus would have been and one at the feet. These angels ask Mary, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She replies to them, “They have taken away my Lord and I do not know where they have laid him.” Mary has tasted the presence of Christ and fears his absence. She no longer understands. It is then that she hears a Voice. This Voice comes with power. She turns to see a man but thinks he must be the gardener.
King of the Jews
ReRead: John 19:19-22
Tuesday 3/31/15 Day 36
Ponder: Pilate identifies Jesus with a sign nailed to the cross. Written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek the sign reads, “The King of the Jews.” The chief priests of the Jews wanted it changed to “This man said, I am King of the Jews.” These leaders see Jesus as claiming to be someone he is not. Pilate refused to change the sign. In a week’s time Jesus was celebrated by the crowds as the arriving King, hated by the religious leaders who had authority, betrayed by friends, denied by his followers, and suffered death. God is the Interruptor this time. God sent his Son to announce the Kingdom. God’s Kingdom is for those who celebrate Him, as well as for those who reject Him. God loves His creation and offers His Son to be Lord of all. Is Jesus your Lord?
