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Category: Genesis Page 39 of 41

“Not good” says God

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On May 14, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

The first time that is recorded of God saying “not good” is given in the second chapter in the book of Genesis, when God says, “It is not good that the man should be alone.” Have you ever wondered as to why God would feel this way? The creator and the creature were friends (Genesis 3:8); God was man’s friend and man was God’s friend – so how could man be alone? God would never leave nor forsake his people, correct?

I believe, that in the omniscience of God, God knew that just as his charming and wisest created angel, Lucifer, selfishly disobeyed God seeking his own (Ezekiel 28:2-4, 14-15), man, the apex of God’s creation (not the ex-ape of evolution) would selfishly follow his own desires and follow suit as well. This is why the scripture records that the Lamb of God (Jesus Christ) was slain before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8), as the only means of restoring man, back into the friendly relationship he had with God (Romans 5:11).

To disobey God and sin brings about a separation from God, making us lonely (to be alone). It is our own selfishness (Romans 8:3) that separates us from God and makes us single. With divorce growing at an exponential rate and plaguing our world today, many are lonely – in a state that is “not good” (according to God). Under the dirty covers of many divorce situations, one would find that the root cause for divorce is not incompatibility but selfishness, where one partner thinks of gratifying only their own selfish desires, whether it is in the area of fidelity or in the area of forgiveness. Such selfishness brings about singleness and the Bible records that God hates divorces (Malachi 2:16), for God does not want any of us to be alone.

Points to ponder:
It is true that God will never leave us nor forsake us to be alone; but that does not mean that man will not leave nor forsake God and get lonely! God does not want you and me to be alone – for that is not good. Are you and I a friend of God? In other words, are we selfish gratifying our own selfish desires or are we selfless and willing to obey him in all things? Let God not have to say of you and me, “Not good”.

Genesis 2:18 (KJV)
18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Malachi 2:16 (NLT)
16 “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”

The condition of life and death

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On May 10, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

In the second chapter of the book of Genesis, the Bible records that the Lord God commanded the man, to not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, but before the commandment was given, the Lord God told the man that of every tree of the garden, man may freely eat. If man chose to disobey God, the the condition that was stipulated was the man would “surely” die. In other words, the cost to obey God and enjoy all of God’s provisions was nothing (it was free), but the cost of disobeying God was certain (sure) and severe – it would cost man everything (life itself).

Points to ponder:
From this text we can learn that God provides for those whom he commands. So the next time, you think of what God has commanded you to do, make sure to hear the provisions he gives you along with that commandment. Then recognize to obey God is to choose life, but to disobey God is to reject life and choose death. The condition of life and death is in our choice to obey or not obey God. What is your condition? Are you alive? or Are you dead?

Genesis 2:16-17 (KJV)
16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

River of Life (in Genesis and Revelation)

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On May 6, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:10-14 records of ‘a‘ river that went out of Eden to water the garden and it parted into four. The first was named Pison, the second Gihon, the third Hiddekel (or Tigris) and the fourth Euphrates. Although the location of these rivers is mostly conjecture, and the meaning of the names of the rivers inconsequential, what is important to note is the the source of these four rivers was The One river of water that went out of Eden (garden/Paradise) (Genesis 2:10).  Symbolically the number four could mean the four directions of the world (Revelation 7:1) implying that the single river went out to all the corners of the earth. But what was the source of this river? The Psalmist records of a river whose streams make glad the city of God (Psalm 46:4). Revelation 22:1 tells us of a river that proceeds out of the throne of God and the Lamb (Jesus Christ) – a river that is pure with the water of life. Jesus said that whoever believes in Him, out of him will flow rivers of living water, speaking of the Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39).

From these verses we can extrapolate that the river in Genesis is symbolically the Holy Spirit that flowed to all the parts of the sinless world for it is only by the Holy Spirit can the city of God be glad. The city of God is made up of God and his people, i.e., those who believe in Jesus, into whom and from whom, the river of life (Holy Spirit) of God flows, are the only ones who are allowed into the city of God. The Holy Spirit of God flows from the throne of God and the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and is pure (Holy) who gives Life.

Points to ponder:
Have you been watered by the River of Life? In other words, have you received the Holy Spirit of God?  If not, I beseech you to believe in the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, today, so that the Holy Spirit of God can be given to you.
And if you have, is the river of living water flowing from you? If not, why not?

Genesis 2:10-14 (KJV)
10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
12 And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
13 And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.
14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.

Revelation 22:1-3 (KJV)
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

John 7:38-39 (KJV)
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Knowledge of good and evil – a test of …

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On May 3, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:9 states that in the garden of Eden, God made to grow, the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Now, many have questioned “Why did God place the tree of knowledge of good and evil and place man in the same garden in the east (Eden) and then explicitly forbid him from eating of that tree?” The usual response that is given is the answer of “free will” explaining that “God is not a puppeteer and did not want his prized creation (man) to be a puppet (or in today’s language – a robot) but gave him free will to choose.” I do not disagree with this notion for even Jesus, being God himself (Philippians 2:6),  had to choose willingly (freely) to submit to God’s will (john 10:18; Luke 22:42), and man who is created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) should have the nature of God.

But is there more we can learn from the scripture?
Close scrutiny of God’s infallible word reveals a few other things of note:

1. The placement of the tree of knowledge of good and evil was a test – a test of God’s authority. God is sovereign and he does what pleases him in heaven and in earth (Psalm 115:3), and while it is not wrong to question God with a genuine seeking heart (as Mary, the handmaid of the Lord, did and believed  – Luke 1:24, 38), questioning him with doubt/disbelief (as Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist did – Luke 1:18) and/or defiance (as did some scribes against God’s authority – Mark 2:1-12) displeases him and can have consequences. Questioning God with the wrong attitude of disbelief, in an attempt to make him dumb (as if he cannot give an answer) can in turn backfire and make us dumb (Luke 1:20). It is our disbelief that makes us dumb. God is Sovereign and we are not.
2. The placement of the tree of knowledge of good and evil was a test – a test of man’s love for God. Adam (and Eve), had been given, ALL the other trees of the garden to eat from. In fact, every other tree that God made to grow out of the ground was beautiful (pleasing to the eye) and good for food, and still Adam (and Eve) wanted more – more than what God had given him (just as we do many times). Jesus said, if you love me, [you will] keep (obey) my commandments (John 14:15). True Love cannot be forced and is a choice – we choose to love someone or we choose not to. True Love is expressed in action – by doing what pleases the one we love; their will not ours.

Points to ponder:
The first Adam was made in the likeness of God with the ability to choose for himself. He chose to not love God more than himself. He chose to disobey and he chose for himself.
The last Adam (Jesus Christ), who being God, had the ability to choose for himself.  He chose to Love God the Father. He chose to obey and he chose you over himself.
Have you/I submitted to God’s authority and accepted his sovereignty?
Do you love God? Do I love God? Do we Truly Love God?
Let us not fail this test of Love!

Genesis 2:9 (KJV)
9 And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

John 14:15 (KJV)
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

The Tree of Life i.e., The Cross of Christ

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On April 30, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:9 states  … “And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow evert tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.”

Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). The Bible says that Jesus was hung on a tree (referring to the cross) (Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Acts 13:29; 1 Peter 2:24) as one who was cursed (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 21:22-23).

The Cross (Tree) of Christ (Life) was positioned in between (the midst of) two other crosses, between the crosses of knowledge of good and evil; one which hung the repentant (good) sinner and the other which hung the rebellious (evil) sinner.

Points to ponder:
Jesus is the tree of life and he hung on a tree to give us life – eternal life, if only we believe in him. Our belief in him imputes on us his righteousness, as the sinful robes we wear are washed by his blood, and he clothes us with righteousness when we believe. Only to those who believe is given the privilege to take and eat from the tree of life, implying that only those who believe in Jesus can have eternal life (Revelation 22:14). Jesus’ Cross beckons us as we are juxtaposed between our good side and our evil side; our good side which chooses to yield to his Lordship, and to repent and believe in him, and our evil side which rebels against submitting to his Lordship.

I pray that we are all like the repentant sinner who requested of Jesus “Lord, remember me, when you come into your kingdom” and was assured by Jesus, “Today, shalt thou be with me in paradise (garden) wherein is THE Tree of Life – Jesus Christ.”

Which side of the tree of life are you on? Which side of the Cross of Christ are you on?

Beautiful and Fruitful (Tree)

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On April 29, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:9 states that the Lord God made every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food to grow out of the ground. In other words, this verse describes that the Lord God made beautiful (pleasant to see) and fruitful (good for food) trees to grow out of the ground. Literally taken, this means that all that God planted was beautiful and needed for the sustenance of life.

Points to ponder:
The Bible counsels us to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). In other words, the Lord is pleasant to see and good for communion, just like the beautiful and food bearing trees, God planted. The Bible also teaches us that man shall not live by bread (physical food) alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Jesus is THE Word of God who became flesh and dwelled amongst men (John 1:1, 14). Jesus is pleasant to all who seek to see him with eyes of faith and is the Word of God, good for communion (food) and necessary for the sustenance of life – eternal life with God (John 3:16). Have you seen (experienced) Jesus? Do you have communion with God?

Genesis 2:9 (KJV)
9 And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

God planted; So must we

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On April 26, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:8 indicates that the Lord God planted a garden in Eden on the east side and he put the man, whom he had formed, there. What is interesting to note is that God planted a garden and from these words and the words of Jesus, we can learn that God the Father is the gardener (John 15:1). We know from the creation account that God, like a gardener, got his hands dirty in the dust of the ground (from where he fashioned his creation).

The Bible teaches us that the word of God is a seed that needs to be sowed (planted) so that it can take root and bring forth fruit  (Luke 8:11). It also advises that those who sow sparingly shall reap sparingly and those who sow bountifully shall reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6). God planted and so must we (plant bountifully). The Apostle Paul said that he “planted” and Apollos watered, but it was God who gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Points to ponder:
Our job is to plant and to water (nourish) but it is God who gives the increase, but he cannot do so, unless we plant. God is the gardener; Are you one? Am I one?

Genesis 2:8 (KJV)
8 And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
9 And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Are you dead or alive?

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On April 25, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:7 states “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”  This verse indicates that until the breath of life (Holy Spirit) of God was breathed into man, man had a physically lifeless body. It is the presence of the Holy Spirit of God in us that makes us come alive.

Points to ponder:
Are you dead or alive? In other words, do you have the Holy Spirit of God in you? Receive the promise of the Holy Spirit of God through faith (Galatians 3:14) and through faith believe and confess that Jesus is the Son of God, sent to be the Savior of mankind, so that God (the Holy Spirit) can dwell in you (1 John 4:13-15). Only when we do, are we made alive – otherwise we are lifeless! Are you dead or alive?

Genesis 4:7 (KJV)
7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

1 John 4:13-15 (KJV)
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

Galatians 3:14 (KJV)
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Formed to Conform

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On April 24, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:7 states that the Lord (Jesus) God (Father) formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul. The Trinity of God was involved in man’s creation, and man was formed of the world (dust of the ground) but was formed to be a living soul and to conform to the image of God and not to the world.

Apostle Paul beseeched the church in Rome to not be conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of their mind (Romans 12:2). Our minds need to be renewed to be like the humble and obedient mind of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5).

Points to ponder:
We were formed to conform to God’s image. We are not to be conformed to this world.
What are you and I conforming to – to God or to the world? Remember, friendship with the world is enmity with God. Am I a friend of God? Are you a friend of God?

Genesis 2:7 (KJV)
7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Romans 12:2 (KJV)
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Philippians 2:5 (KJV)
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

James 4:4 (KJV)
4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

(Holy) breath of life (-giving Spirit)

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On April 23, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:7, states “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” In the book of Job, the Bible records “The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” (Job 33:4). After resurrection, when Jesus assured his disciples peace and commissioned them to go out as apostles, he breathed on them and said “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22). In the end times it is prophesied that after the two witnesses of God are killed and laid on the streets for three and a half days, the Bible records that the spirit of life entered into them and they came back to life and heard a great voice from heaven saying “come up hither” and they ascended to heaven (Revelation 11:11).

From these verses, we can understand that the breath of life (Genesis 2:7), the breath of the Almighty (Job 33:4), the breath of Jesus, who was made a quickening (life-giving) spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45) on the disciples (John 20:22) refers to the spirit of God, the Holy Ghost/Spirit. This gives us the evidence that the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit God was actively involved in the creation of mankind.

Points to ponder:
When the Holy Spirit of God is breathed of a lifeless body, man becomes a living soul. The Holy Spirit of God is evident in creation. The Holy Spirit of Father God and of Jesus (who are one – John 10:30) is a life-giving Spirit, and a body without the Spirit of God is dead (James 2:26). Are you a dead body or a living soul? The Holy Spirit (who gives eternal life) is promised to all who believe in God the Father who sent Jesus and in Jesus who was sent (John 17:3). The Holy Spirit of God is evident in the recreation of man when we believe in Jesus for anyone who is Christ is a new creation (remade). Do you feel the breath of life, the breath of the Almighty, on you today and do you hear his voice “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” who is a life-giving (quickening) Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45)? Only after the Holy breath of life (-giving) Spirit enters us, can we ascend into the presence of God in heaven. Believe in the Lord Jesus today and receive ye the Holy Ghost!

Genesis 2:7 (KJV)
7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Job 33:4 (KJV)
4 The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

John 20:22 (KJV)
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Revelation 11:11 (KJV)
11 And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

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