We are in a series called Kingdom Revealed, and we are taking a deep look into the first two chapters of Genesis. This week, we will look into Genesis 2 and talk more about being created in the image of God.
Genesis 2:4-7 (NIV)
4 This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the LORD God made the earth and the heavens. 5 Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth and no plant had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground, 6 but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground. 7 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Have you noticed that Genesis 2 is not following chronologically with Chapter 1? There seems to be a different order of things. This is an excellent place to have a think. Some people believe Chapter 2 is building on day six, some think it is building on day three, or some combination of day six and day three, but there are problems with all those ideas. Perhaps it is a more detailed description of what is actually happening in the garden. Perhaps Genesis 1 is the ideal, and Genesis 2 is more of the reality.
Anyway, make a note to have a think, and let’s continue deeper into Genesis 2:
Genesis 2:18–25 (NIV)
18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” 19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. 25 Adam and his wife were both naked and felt no shame.
After all of the “it was good” in Genesis Chapter 1, now, in verse 18, we see a problem. It is not good for man to be alone.
Genesis 2:18-20 (NIV)
18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” 19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.
Could God have given the animals names? Yes. But as I have said over and over again, the heart of God is to partner with His human family to steward the planet. I also believe the picture here is that animals are presented in pairs to Adam, and Adam sees that none of them is the partner he needs.
Genesis 2:21–23 (NIV)
21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. 22T hen the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
In verse 24, there is a solution to the problem we saw in verse 18. Adam (mankind) was one alone, so God made him two (male and female), and then they connect in relationship as one flesh. One becomes two, becomes one. We will look at this and more at Keys Vineyard Church this weekend, so join us in person or online.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
