As it was meant to be...

            These last few weeks in my Bible study, we have camped out in the first few chapters of Genesis.  We will be intensely studying that entire book this year, along with other Scriptures. I thought I knew quite a bit about those chapters, and the history of creation, but I was wrong. As I worked on my study questions this past week and as we discussed them in our small group time and large group lecture, I realized just how much I do not know. This may not surprise you, but it did surprise me a bit. As I lingered in these two chapters over the last few weeks, there was SO much there that I had not seen before. I am shaking my head as I type this. Once again, I find myself overwhelmed with what God is showing me through His Word. Our study notes were filled with incredible things that I have combed right over in the past, missing the deeper meanings of His Word. We can miss so much if we do not look closely enough at the context and original intent of the Scriptures. I’m so thankful for all of the new things that God is showing about Himself in this study.

            This week we looked closely at the characteristics of God that can be seen between Genesis 1 and 2. In chapter one, we saw that He spoke creation into existence. We re-discovered the majesty and power of the triune God, the Creator. In chapter two, His Word characterizes Him as tender, loving, generous and personal. He lovingly “forms” Adam, and then right from Adam’s ribs, He creates Eve with great care. He created everything that the two of them would need just as any loving parent would provide for his own children. What a beautiful reminder of Who our God is. He is powerful enough to speak trees, rivers, stars, the sun, animals and all of creation into existence, yet tender and loving enough to intimately form man, and then carefully breathe life into his nostrils. Again, I find myself completely overwhelmed with that picture, the God of the Universe tenderly holding Adam in His hands and gently breathing life into him. I cannot imagine what an artist would put on a canvas if he were to try to paint this picture. It would be a beautiful piece of artwork if someone could capture it, but who can humanly capture such a thing?

            One of our questions this week asked us how our study of Genesis 1 and 2 impacted our thoughts and lives. As I have reflected on this, I realize that I just do not have enough time or room on this page to put it all into words, but I would like to share at least a couple of thoughts before ending. If the God and Creator of the Universe cared enough to give us life, and then to give us dominion over this earth, shouldn’t we live more like we believe this? Shouldn’t we live as though we have the Spirit of God empowering us with all we need to do His work? If the same God who hung the sun, moon and stars and who put order into the Universe is willing to speak to me through His written Word, then shouldn’t I pay attention and do what it says? I am preaching to myself here more than anyone! (One of the main reasons I write!)The bottom line for me is whether or not I really trust Him to guide me and to give me purpose in life. Do I trust Him even when I see so much brokenness and pain in the lives of people who I deeply care about? Do I trust Him when I face yet another season of life not knowing what is around the corner for me and my loved ones? Do I trust Him not matter what?

            For me, the answer to all of these questions is “YES”. I MUST trust Him. At least, I desire to trust Him that much. How could I not? Do I trust Him all of the time? Of course not, but I am learning to. When I look deeply into the words of the first few chapters of Genesis, I have to believe that He is trustworthy. Even though He knew that Adam and Eve (and the rest of us) would disobey Him, He breathed life into Adam anyway. He forgave them anyway. He knew that I would fail Him so many times too, and yet He forgives me and has saved me. HOW CAN I NOT TRUST HIM? He has been so faithful in my life. No, not everything is good or easy, but yes, I am so blessed, and so grateful. When God created man, He never intended all of the sin and brokenness that we have around us then or now. He intended something very different. He intended for Adam and Eve to have eternal relationship with Him in the Garden, freely walking and communicating with their Creator, and having everything they could ever need and want. Because of their disobedience, they lost it all and then had to work and toil for their own needs. But, there is good news! God made a way for them (and us) to be restored back to relationship with Him. He sent His Son to die for us. And that my friend is amazing love! Well, I’ve ventured beyond the number of words that I intended to write and I try hard not to do that, but there is just so much to say and so little space. So, I would like to close with one of my new favorite songs. A dear friend reminded me of it recently, but I had not listened to it for a while. It is called “Endless Hallelujah” by Matt Redman. Here are the song lyrics. Hope you’ll take time to listen to it soon and as you do, just try to imagine what life was meant to be like in the beginning and what it WILL be like when we get to see our Lord face to face one day. No matter what you are going through right now, there is hope. The Creator of all things is working and has a plan. One day soon, it will once again be as it was meant to be! AMEN!

Endless Hallelujah

When I stand before Your throne

 Dressed in glory not my own

 What a joy I'll sing of on that day

 No more tears or broken dreams

 Forgotten is the minor key

 Everything as it was meant to be

 

And we will worship, worship

 Forever in Your presence we will sing

 We will worship, worship You

 And endless hallelujah to the King

 

I will see You as You are

 Love You with unsinning heart

 And see how much You paid to bring me home

 Not till then, Lord, shall I know

 Not till then, how much I owe

 Everything I am before Your throne

 

 And we will worship, worship

 Forever in Your presence we will sing

 We will worship, worship You

 And endless hallelujah to the King

 

No more tears, no more shame

 No more sin and sorrow ever known again

 No more fears, no more pain

 We will see You face to face

 See You face to face

 

And we will worship, worship

 Forever in Your presence we will sing

 We will worship, worship You

 And endless hallelujah to the King (Matt Redman – 10,000 Reasons, Sparrow Music)