We all have a family history. Some of us may know beyond a couple generations, others of us may not. Just curious, do you know where your ancestors are from? There is so much talk in the news about “immigrants.” Not to get political here, but we are all immigrants from one place to another. I’m an American now living in Mexico. Looking back, I have great-great grandparents that came from Norway. My maternal grandmother also traced our roots back to the Mayflower on her side of the family. It’s always been an interest of mine to know my roots. Then there’s the fact we are all foreigners here on earth – heaven being our true home. (But that’s a whole different discussion!)
Well, today’s account from Genesis gives us a bit more of the genealogy of those first humans. Again, keep in mind that this history we are reading in Genesis is a culmination of stories collected and shared over a number of years. Stories were used to explain how things came to be. The Word of God is inspired by God, so we know we can trust it, but to take it literally may not be the most helpful with this style of writing. Continue reading “Genesis 4:17-26 – Family Tree”
When we think about how the world began, Adam and Even no doubt come to mind. The names Cain and Abel may also be familiar to us as the first two sons born of the first couple. Sibling rivalry at it’s worst. If you’ve had children or had siblings growing up, you know that there are times when kids don’t get along. Since each of us is gifted differently, there are bound to be issues. For instance, the musically inclined may wish they were athletic and visa versa. Perhaps the oldest (or the youngest) gets more attention. It’s when jealousy gets so overpowering that it can be dangerous.
I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve read this Bible account of the first sin. The sin that forever changed it all. I’m trying to read it with fresh eyes so that new understanding might shine through. How about you? Were there any new revelations that spoke to you?
Chapter 2 is almost like a second creation story with the focus on Adam, the first human. It can be a little confusing at first when you read about there being no one to cultivate the land when we just read in Chapter 1 that God created man and woman. This account gives a little more detail to the creation of man and what I love here is that God “breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” Think of it. We are filled with the breath of God.
Let’s pray. Lord, I do thank you for the beauty that surrounds me. Each flowering bush, each creepy creature, the breeze, the birds chirping. Your creation is to be enjoyed and treasured. Help us as a society to take better care of what you have given us. I thank you, too, for the choices you have given me. I ask that you give me the wisdom I need to discern your will for my life. Help us find the perfect home you have waiting for us. Help our business to reach more and more people giving us the opportunity to share you and your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
As you read yesterday’s account of creation, you’ll note I stopped with Day 6. That’s where Chapter 1 ended, and it seemed a good place to stop. Today the focus is on Day 7, the day God rested. He declared that day holy. God intends for his people to do the same. Work their tails off for 6 days, and then spend time getting refreshed on the 7th day, the holy day.
