Going back to the Garden

GENESIS: Chapters 1-12
(Introduction to the Bible/Reflection Paper/Submitted on June 25, 2009)

The book of Genesis opens its narrative nature by telling us the history of Creation, how through God’s spoken word the earth’s “form” came into existence (Chapter 1). It continued until the earth is filled with living and non-living creatures, to which God found it good. Later, we will see the unique creation of man (2:7) and how his original nature was conceived by God (1:26-27). I’ve noticed the familiar narrative statement “And God said… and it was so.” which shows how powerful His words are, that He purposely shows His glory through His spoken words, which will bring to Him pleasure in return. That includes His original concept of man which He created in His own image. That’s includes me and the rest of humanity. As history unfolds, the fall of man changes the plot from being naïve of sin to being ambitious that would create the definition of the word “sin” as doing what is not right (4:7). Indeed they gained knowledge of good and evil, which God didn’t want them to have. All what God wanted was the man’s complete dependence to him, like the one who knows nothing except listening to the voice of God. The fall of man broke the bond of closed relationship between God and man. The intimacy gradually diminishes as they are constantly moving away from the presence of God which started from their eviction from the Garden to the east side of Eden to the land of Nod. They became more corrupt and proud, leaving God the option to wipe them out through waters (Chapter 6) and to confuse them through different languages that they may scatter over the earth (11:8). In spite of man’s wickedness, God has redemptive plan to show his very nature of love, mercy, faithfulness, and forgiveness. Learning from the history of God’s judgment, men began to call on the name of the Lord (4:26b), contrary to the scene in the Garden where it was God who calls them. Men have to seek for God now, not that God is hidden somewhere, but we are blinded by our transgression causing us to go elsewhere. Thus, I will close this paper by this prayer:

Lord, make me naïve of sin and bring me back to my original state- one who hears only your voice and does not try to raise mine before you. Create in me the image of your son Jesus Christ, restore your glory in me and make my life become a living and pleasing aroma before you. Teach us to become humble, remove the divisive spirit of pride in our church and remind us of your enduring love, your amazing grace and your free gift of salvation through your son Jesus Christ, Amen.