Have you ever wondered what it was like to be the first person created, let
alone be the only existing human walking on earth?
Envision opening your eyes for the very first
time … behold, the face of God. There
could be no better way to begin living!
At that moment, everything is new.There will never be another time or
experience like this.Could Adam possibly
realize how loved, favored and special he was to Jehovah and what this would
mean to all mankind - forever?
If I close my eyes, I can picture how it might have
happened in my sanctified imagination, walking through each scene mentally as
life begins for the firstborn of many.A
molded creation lies still as if it were a mere part of the ground.Then something miraculous happened!
As when the Spirit of God moved upon the waters, He moves
on the formed body, making it become real.With the very breath of God, energy is stirred into the shape called “human”
awakening man … a male man known as the first Adam”, created by the hands of Yahweh.
His lungs expand as they fill with air; new life has
begun.Leaning over Jehovah smiles and
extents His hand to help raise up His likeness and says, “Walk with Me. I have
something to show you.”
Taking His hand, Adam stands as if he always had the
ability to move.The Creator and created
walk side-by-side, but Adam has yet to speak.He wonders where they are going, but is not afraid to follow.
“So, the LORD God took the (human,
newly formed) man (He had made) and settled him in the Garden of Eden to
cultivate and keep (watch over) it.” (Genesis 2:15 VOICE emphasis mine)
What was it like for Adam to walk in with God in His
garden and witness its original splendor and heavenly glory? Could Adam describe what he was seeing, smelling
and hearing or did God explain each detail as His child touched Creation?Did his jaw drop in awe of such beauty and
that he was the reason for God’s lavishing favor?
Before woman was made, he spent time with God alone … it
was just the two of them. This would be
a relationship like none other.How long
did Adam have with His Creator before yet another new thing was paraded before
his youthful eyes?
“Look, I am about to do
something new; even now it is coming.Don’t you see it coming? (Isaiah 43:19a CSB emphasis mine)
Did God go over the things that only men discuss amongst themselves? What
little tidbits of advice did Jehovah share with his first son that no one else
was privy to or ever heard? Besides the topics of animals and the precious
responsibilities entrusted to him, we know there was a discussion over food
choices … why doesn’t that surprise me? Was
fruit the first thing that awakened his taste buds to the glorious creations for
nourishment?
What love God had for Adam (mankind) from the beginning in
giving the promise of favor through blessing his life and the work of his
hands, before he ever lifted a finger!
How would the man of dirt bond with a substance called “earth”
that literally conformed into his existence?Would words of thanksgiving be the beginning utterances spoken by the one
God had chosen to be first? Could you hear
voices of praise echoing through the Garden at night by everything that had
breath?
“Let everything that has
breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah, praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6 NKJV)
Favor I Knew Before Birth
I don’t know about you, but I can’t get over the awesomeness
of God.Every time I glance out my
windows or walk in the yard, I am reminded that this is God’s world and I’m
walking in His created favor designed by love for me!It’s personal to me, because of the
relationship I share with my Creator, Savior and Lord.
Before I was even thought of by my parents and brought
into this world, I was already born into favor in God’s world.He would have my parents move from state to
state until they arrived at the right place for when I was to be born.
His plans were to “put” me into position for service as
He did with the man Adam He had first formed (Genesis 2:8).In a place where I could fellowship with Him,
walking in faith and favor along my life journey on earth.God knew where to place me on the planet –
the “Garden State” … how appropriate.Not
quite Eden, but a beautiful place to grow!
He knew the things I view as beautiful and what brings me
pure delight and pleasure.He knew what
tugs on my heart to worship Him with thanksgiving for all the things He’s
created for me to enjoy.In other words,
God personalized me to be me, the way that would bring pleasure to both of us.
When the Lord spoke to Jeremiah the Old Testament prophet,
He first spoke these words to Adam and continues to speak them to every child
that belongs to Him through Christ Jesus. How do I know these things?His Word tells me so, because God never
changes and neither does His love.He is
the same yesterday (from before time), today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
“So, God created man in His
image; in the image of God, He created him (mankind); male and female He
created them. The God bless them, and God said to them, be fruitful and
multiply …” (Genesis 1: 27-28a NKJV)
As you read these words, dwell on them as if God were
saying them to you like I have:
“Fay, (say your name) I am
your Creator, and before you were born, I chose you to speak for Me to the
nations.
I chose you before I gave you
life, and before you were born, I selected you, set you apart and appointed you
as My spokesman to the world.” (Jeremiah 1:5 CEV, GNT, TLB, AMP emphasis mine)
This Week's Challenge: Walk in Your Eden
We look back on history and think how great our life
would be if we were someone else … like Adam or Eve who were the only ones to
walk in the Garden of Eden.Well … we’re
not, but that’s the way it was meant to be and it’s okay!
I’d like to inform you of something big!Like Adam (and his wife Eve), you are also a
creation that God formed perfectly in His image, for His glory and
fellowship.There is only one you, and
God likes … no, loves the way He designed you.He planned for you to be a part of His life during this time in
history.
In your alone time, close your eyes and image what it
would be like if it was you instead of Adam walking with God in His garden. What kinds of things might be on your list of
topics to discuss that are just between the Creator and you?
Open your eyes; look around you. Now think about where
you are today and don’t focus on the cosmetics of it.No matter where you live, God knew you would
be exactly in that place.It may not be
perfect and it doesn’t mean that this is where you will always be.
At this time in your life, do you recognize “this” set
aside earthly place for fellowship, as created favor and blessings designed with
you in mind? It’s your Eden; a place to
learn and grow spiritually.
God has allowed this particular “Eden” at this time to be
part of where He wants to walk with you.It’s a place where blessings and favor were planned from the beginning,
but have yet to be given.Be excited and
learn everything He is revealing while you can, because change is going to
happen!
The Garden of Eden wasn’t special because it grew great
crops.God’s garden was special because this
is where relationship was created between Heaven and Earth.
Eden was a place where God and mankind could establish a
close fellowship as well as highlight His full creation.It birthed new beginnings where God could
give favor for a lifetime, not just for the first human, but for all humanity.
Practically everyone knows how the first Adam and his
wife Eve fell from God’s grace.However,
most fail to recognize that God gave them favor when they repented of their sin.They returned to the Lord and fellowship was
restored, not in God’s Eden, but a new place.
At this time in history, we do not have an earthly Eden
as in the Beginning.Eden itself takes
on a new meaning besides a certain location on the map.Your Eden (or mine for that matter) is
wherever you walk with God spiritually, and wherever He walks there is favor!The amount and kind of favor from God is
established along the walk, and Eden is where it begins.It’s where you are right now in your
relationship with Him, and has nothing to do with where you live or what your
house looks like.
Eden is a set aside place chosen for loved ones to
fellowship that is not specifically a location, but a place in your heart. Have you a place where the Lord can fellowship
and walk with you daily?The wisest
thing you can do right now is to begin walking in the Eden God has set before
you, so His blessings and favor will be multiplied. Why not start here!
“Blessed is the man who listens
to me (wisdom), watching daily at my (wisdom) gates, waiting at the posts of my
(wisdom’s) doors.For whoever finds me (wisdom)
finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD.” (Proverbs 8:34-35 NKJV)
Maybe you don’t know the
Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life
also. Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more
information on becoming a child of the Savior.
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specified. Image Adam
I couldn’t help myself; the weather was too
nice to be indoors, and besides this was probably the last 80+ degree day left
in the season. Gathering a plastic container for recycling I headed out to our garden to collect seeds from the
flowering vines.
My husband had a headache and wanted to sit
back to rest for a little while.Believing the fresh air would help him, with some coaxing I was able to
convince hubby that he needed to come help me.
For the next few hours not only could I imagine Life in God’s Garden, I
was living it.
Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list.
International – Norway; Czechia; Perth, WA,
Australia; Barreiro, Setúbal District,
Portugal; Luxembourg; Hyderabad, Telangana & Malappuram, Kerala,
India; Kigali, Rwanda; Nova Iguaçu, RJ, Brazil; Lae, Morobe Province,
Papua New Guinea; Lamongan, East Java; Palembang, South Sumatra; Baumata, East
Nusa Tenggara, Sunggal, North Sumatra & Kepung, East Java, Indonesia; Taipei,
Taiwan.
USA – Greenwood, AR; Temecula, Vallejo & Yucca Valley, CA; Hutchinson, KS; Boyce,
LA; Boston, MA; Elkton, MD; Sunrise Beach, MO; Lincoln, NE; East Wakefield, NH;
Minotola, Paterson & Vineland, NJ; New York, Camden & Rome, NY; Linton
& Grand Forks, ND; Fairborn & Plain City, OH: Woodburn, OR; Glenolden
& New Cumberland, PA; Frankfort, KY; Galveston, TX; Fairmont, WV; Albuquerque,
NM; Guthrie, OK.
I am so thankful for your visit and hope that you come
back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.Join us in our new series as we spend time in
the study of Daily Favor Relationships.
You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.All are private. I would love to hear from
you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.Contact me by leaving a message in the box at
the bottom of this week’s post.
Opening the gate to the garden I began
working my way around the inside of the fenced in area plucking tiny pods off
the twine vines.The past few cool
nights caused the flowers to wither.What was once a beautiful lush covering that scrolled around the entire
garden looked rather messy having been hit it by the first frost of the fall
season.
The pods were so delicate that even the
slightest jiggle would make the seeds fall to the ground.By the time my husband joined me I had
already finished one side of the fence.With much more to be done, he decided to work his way along the outer
side of the garden fence.
There was a slight breeze; perfect weather
for the task at hand.Dropping a handful
of seeds into the pail I pictured what Adam and Eve might be doing had they
still been living in God’s Holy place.
It was so quiet, even in the middle of the
afternoon and in the city to boot.No
one was around; it was if we were the only two people on the planet.Working my way towards where hubby was I
said, “I wonder if Adam had to do this?”
I answered my own question … of course he
did.God said that He gave us seed to
sow for future gardens.
“And God said, See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on
the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.”
(Genesis 1:29 NKJV)
Serenity Now
When the vegetable plants, luffa and
flowering climbing vines are in full bloom they cover and surround the entire
fence.It creates a secret garden place to
dwell and spend time in the presence of our Creator.
Our little garden becomes a place of worship
… a temple so to speak, and provides the atmosphere needed to hear from God as
you draw close to Him.So many times I
have sought the Lord for answers and within a few minutes in the garden I hear
from Him.
Serenity washed over our spirits as the hours
wore on and we didn’t even notice the sun beginning to set. Hubby and I had such peace and calmness fellowshipping
together with the Lord that it made us long for the time when the Garden of
Eden would be restored for the children of God.
Blessings
Unmeasurable
For the past eight weeks we have “walked” through the
Garden of Eden and marveled over the favor God prepared for the race of man
from the very beginning of creation.
We learned from only a few named blessings how God made
provision for Adam and those to follow that would last all the days of the
earth. There are yet untapped water sources, seed bearing fruits, vegetables and herbs at our disposal for
sustaining life.He created gold and
precious stones that set the economies of the world in motion even to this day,
giving great provision for all of mankind.
Although there are too many blessings to
count that God has given us, from my short list I’ve saved the best for last.
Tenth Blessing –The
Garden was a Holy place for Worship.
From the very beginning God made it clear
that the Creator was the heart and center of creation, not humans or anything
else.His garden was created to
establish communication and a place where relationships would grow.
The Garden of Eden was to reveal to man God's Heaven. It was a reflection of the dwelling place of the LORD God Almighty revealed to man and where he may boldly seek favor (mercy). (see Hebrews 4:16)
For a brief time before sin entered, Heaven in a sense was here on Earth.
When God brought Adam into His garden, it
was to perform the duty of the first High Priest of God’s temple … the Holy
place where God showed up to fellowship with man.
The Garden was a separate place in Eden; it
was set apart just for the LORD to be worshipped. Although Adam and Eve could go wherever they wanted, God only showed up in His garden certain times of the day.
Throughout scripture we read how the high
priests “tended” to their duties inside the Holy of Holies temple.It was a place where public service to God
was performed, including worship where He was acknowledged as the Creator of
all things.
God gave Adam stewardship of the Garden where
he was to serve, guard, protect, shepherd and preserve (shamar, Genesis 2:15). In other words, Adam was the servant of the
Garden, the attendant gardener.Now we
can understand why God was so angry with Adam having let “sin” (through the
serpent) into His Holy dwelling and family.
As the High Priest Adam had the
responsibility of caring for God’s temple and taking watch over His sheep
(Eve).He failed at the task, but thankfully
the grace (unmerited favor) of God would already be planned for man before he
was created through His Son Christ Jesus.
The prophet Isaiah (in chapter eleven)
describes how God’s special garden temple will one day be restored for man to
fellowship with Him. In the meantime, the first temple built (and others to
follow) by man was representative of the Garden of Eden where God walked and
dwelled with man.
Think Back
Every teacher tries to plant “seeds” into the
thinking of their students by setting up something for future lessons.I did this to prepare you
for this week.
In our second “think on this” challenge we
pondered the significance of the gifts that were brought to Jesus upon His birth
into this world.I had you think about it
without giving you an answer for a reason.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem three
specific gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh were given to him.The Magi knew what to give and the
significance of the items they were to take to the newborn KING.They were symbols of worship in the original Eden
temple of God, and a path for us to follow leading back to the Heavenly Father
through the seed of Jesus Christ (the Anointed Holy One).
The vessels and furnishings of the temple
were made of gold, and the walls of precious metals and gems.However, the two perfumes of frankincense and myrrh combined were the main ingredients of the anointing oils inside the
garden temple.
Burning of the specific oils signified that
God was present.We know this
information from the description given to Moses in the Old Testament scriptures
on how God wanted His temple to be built.Moses received the detailed “floor plan” of what no one else had seen in
the original place of worship in Eden.
Although some of the gifts pointed directly
to the death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah, they represented much
more than we first learned.Presenting
these gifts at the birth of the Savior symbolized the promised restoration of
the Garden of Eden as a place where God and man could remain in relationship
forever.
The Living Vine
For the few hours it took to tear down the
lifeless vines we didn’t think about what we lost, but focused on the life in
the seeds for seasons to come.I could
already envision the new vines trailing along the fences bursting
with life and color.Through one little seed a
new garden would bring forth a multitude of plants revealing the wonder and glory
of God.
Part of the favor for man is the promise of physical seed for as long as we are here on earth.
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter
and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22 NKJV)
God provided the initial seeds for everything
we will ever need back in the Garden of Eden, including the Seed of Himself.However, man would need spiritual seed and
that would come through Jesus.A
relationship with Jesus allows us to fellowship with God once more.
A Living Temple
Although we await the coming of Jesus to be
reunited with God face to face as in Life in the Garden days, our worship and fellowship with Him doesn’t
have to wait until then.Jesus gave us
the precious gift of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us.Through Him we can talk to the Lord whether
it is in our own garden, our prayer closet or anywhere.We are a living temple, garden, that grows
and grows the more we spend time in relationship with Christ.
What we can take away from this is that God’s
love for His creation is so wonderful that He went to great lengths to save
it.Everything He created was good and
meant to remain forever.
God’s mercy (favor) endures forever, without
regret, for every generation from the beginning to the end.We worship Him for His goodness, grace, mercy
and favor … we worship Him because He is worthy of our praise!He is the one true GOD!
If we are connected to the Living Vine - Jesus,
God’s creation will one day be restored to us; like Adam and Eve we’ll
experience Life in God’s Garden, but this time it will never end.
I AM the vine – the Life in God’s
Garden.There is no garden life without
Me.
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in
Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out
as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are
burned.
If you abide in Me, and My words
abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.By this My Father is glorified,
that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." (John 15:4-8 NKJV)
Think on This Challenge:
A New Eden
When we planted our garden this
year we already knew that there would be a time when it would return to
seed.Gathering seeds was proof that we
believed what God said about seed time and harvest for this earth.Spending time in the garden however, our
thoughts were not of this world, but Heaven’s garden.
Our life has a beginning and an
end.It started with God, but not every
life ends up with their Creator.Jesus
is the Alpha and Omega Vine, the beginning and end of all things Where does the Vine dwell? In God's Garden; only those who believe in Him will receive unmerited favor to see the new Garden of Eden.
Our think on this challenge asks …
Will you see the new Garden of Eden?
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Maybe
you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of
favor in your life also.Click on the
above tab “Tell Me About Jesus”
for more information on salvation and becoming a child of the Savior.
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and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
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Game day turned out to be all that I had expected, plus
some.Moving my schedule around to meet
the needs of my spouse was sheer delight, especially in meeting two grand ladies
that filled my head with compliments.
Arriving on time, hubby and I took off our coats giving
valid excuses why we couldn’t stay long (Angel kitty as one of them). Pressing in the attending women asked if we
would join them in a game of Mexican Train Dominos.If you haven’t played it, you’ve got to … it’s
so much fun and we actually got hubby to join in on the action.
When I questioned why I have to beg him to play games for
years, but he joined in on this one in a heartbeat hubby said, “It wasn't that game.”
Still not sure how to take that response, but I'm almost
positive it’s not the right answer.I
was happy to be doing something different for a change and was elated with being
asked to be a part of his world.
Near the end of our activity my enthusiasm changed, which
caused me to think about our subject for this week – women.
Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list.
New on DFB –Salé, Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer, Morocco; Ludlow,
England, United Kingdom; Fredericton & Marysville, NB, Canada; Trail, BC,
Canada; Trbovlje, Central Sava Statistical Region, Slovenia; Istanbul, Istanbul
Province, Turkey; Finland; Ireland;
USA
–Kissimmee, Starke, Summerfield & Winter
Haven, FL; Job, Inez, Lovely, Warfield & Tomahawk, KY; Moore, SC; Baton
Rouge & West Monroe, LA; Reno, NV; Strasburg & Virginia Beach, VA;
Clanton, AL; Hanford & Temecula, CA; Glenolden & Linglestown, PA;
Columbia Heights, MN; Carl Junction, MO; Elmer & Minotola, NJ.
I am so thankful for your visit and hope that you come
back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.Join us in our new series as we spend time in
the study of Daily Favor Relationships.
You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.All are private. I would love to hear from
you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.Contact me by leaving a message in the box at
the bottom of this week’s post.
Don't miss out on this week's challenge
(below).
Be sure to visit Tell Me, Q & A or other sections.
It Wasn’t Luck, but Skill
As the hours passed our conversations about relationships
grew and how the favor of God had a hand in each medical situation.Prayer and literally being by the side of
their loved one during heart surgery was what got them through the whole
ordeal.Ultimately, God was the center
of it even for those who were skeptical at first.
I was intent on learning the game, but more so finding
out how others coped during the time of need while their partner was undergoing
treatment in and out of the hospital.Our teacher of the game was excellent in her skill resulting in my
winning both games, the latter I didn’t even realize because I was talking. (No
remarks from the balcony please!)
“Your wife is lucky.” Karen said to my
husband as she collected the game pieces from the table.He didn’t agree with it being luck, but
nodded in the fact I win things at times.
Shortly after the finals my playing mates said they would
have to give me a handicap before entering into the Mexican Train ride in the
future.At least I didn’t get banned
from other events.
Simply Beautiful
Hubby was seated across the large conference table from
me, and as he was engrossed in conversation about his surgery I leaned over to
grab our coats from the chairs directly behind where I sat.
Sliding his belongings across the table the lady next to
me began saying how youthful I looked.Perking
up, now Lyn really had my attention.
When she inquired about my age my eyes flashed over to my
husband with the look, “Don’t you dare
tell her!”I wasn’t about to let him
ruin what this woman obviously felt she needed to declare … “You look about the age of my daughter; you
couldn’t be older than her.”
She went on and on about my looks. Okay I let her go on
and on … never revealing my age and why I was with that “older man.”Hubby shared how he’s been called my father
so many times while out dining, and once again I didn’t stop him from telling
that tale.
Standing to make my exit, it didn’t reveal how I truly
felt, but left blushing and making it out to be nothing significant. I have to admit I was flattered for a while,
but the feeling soon left.
Thinking about the situation later on in the week
reminded me of Sarai when Abram referred to her as a woman of beautiful
countenance, meaning her face and entirety of body was beautiful to look upon
from the viewpoint of others besides him.Now we know that Abram was really being selfish in this particular
instance, but it didn’t change the fact that this woman was simply beautiful!
“ And it came to pass, when he was
close to entering Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “Indeed I know that
you are a woman of beautiful
countenance.” (Genesis 12:11 NKJV)
Knowing you’re beautiful and feeling
beautiful are two separate matters in the mind of a woman; it’s not something
that I “feel” or “believe” but I’m working on it. Hearing someone talk that way
was nice, but really made me uneasy and uncomfortable.
Become What You Think
Beauty isn’t always in the eyes of the beholder,
especially when the one looking has no “eye” for what God said about the
creation.There was a time when I was once
voted cutest in my class, and could accept that perhaps there was cuteness
about me, but certainly nothing beautiful.
Thoughts were etched in my mind when someone
I deeply cared about felt the need to throw vile word darts explaining how I
wasn’t special or pretty.Nothing anyone
said after that meant anything, because I believed what this man said to me.
So when the ladies from Game Day began
discussing looks I gathered my belongings as soon as I could to escape the
situation by making light of it.This
leads me to the last (third) part of blessing #9 from Life in God’s Garden.
As
we finish studying the beginning of human relationships, I’d like to look at
the female side of things in helping us become what God says we are and not
what we think we are.Let’s get some
insight to what Jehovah says a woman really is to Him, a man and to others.
Counting Our Blessings
The
ninth blessing is constructed of three parts: the relationship with God, second
animals and finally the race of man.It
is with the last part that Adam would recognize the
creatures paraded before his eyes were not like him by any stretch of the
imagination.
Here is where I’d like add a
few words on the subject of the female part of the race of man and why woman
was intended to be a blessing.We notice that
everything God made was good, but all of a sudden something isn’t good …
something isn’t quite right.
“… and the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a
helper comparable to him.” (Genesis 2:18 NKJV)
Last
time we focused on what was floating around in Adam’s head when he first laid
eyes on the mate God chose for him.I’d like to take a
look at this through Eve’s eyes and what she thought about herself.
The
Wo in Man
Sometimes
I think it’s hard for us to wrap our thinking around what actually happened in
the garden when it comes to God creating two parts of “man”, one being the male
and the other the female in the race.
We
poke fun at how the male was made, at least I have likening him to no more than a
blob of dough being pinched, pushed and squeezed into something that resembles
the image of God.On the other hand,
when it comes to the Divine design of the female, we tend to dress it up into
being the best part of the dough becoming the “Divine sliced bread” for the
male to ingest as if it was the food of life.Yuck…
Man
is first pictured in Genesis 1:26-27 where both male and female were created in
the image of God. It’s not until chapter 2 that we learn more about their
descriptions in the design of the human race.For the first time in the process of creation we read that something
isn’t good.
Once
man made his debut we learn that there is a need for a mate for him so he will
not be lonely, thereby God created a suitable helper to complete the race
called man. (Genesis 2:18)In order for
the creation of man to be completely “good” there had to be a counterpart that
was equal to the first design.
By
Adam noticing the companions of each animal that was paraded before him, he saw
that none of them looked like he did.The revelation light bulb was lit in his thinking understanding that something
was lacking in his short lived life.It’s not until Genesis 1:27 that the terms male, female (man and
woman) are identified as separate identities yet still called man.
When
Adam sees Eve for the first time he notices that there is an inner and outer
beauty in her that he does not possess.She is the beautiful reflection of God, the “wo” that makes him stop and
do a double take of what was given to him as a precious gift.
The
Fashioning of the Woman- Not So Romantic
“So the LORD God caused a deep
sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs, and
closed up the flesh at that place. And the LORD God fashioned into a woman the
rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. (Genesis
2:21-22).
There
have been more theories than I can count on why God fashioned the female from
the rib of a male.Why didn’t He just
form her out of dust like He did Adam?
Some
romanticize the creation saying God chose to use the ribcage because it
protects and is close to the heart.There are some really far-fetched ideas that I wouldn’t ever care to
share (if you know what I mean).
Man
was formed (Hebrew word for yaw-tsar’) to squeeze into a shape by hand
forming a mold by a potter for his purpose.He was predetermined (pre-ordained) formed and fashioned in the frame
that God designed for him to work, be active, become a father and fulfill his
Divine calling.
Even
more specific, the male part of man was created to be a servant to all
humanity, become great in whatever he set his mind to and be a champion for his
contrasting counterpart – the female part of man which Adam called “the woman.”
Formed
vs. Made (Genesis 2)
“… and the
rib which the LORD (Jehovah "the existing One") God had taken from
man, made an extension to the male man called baw-naw (fe-male). This “man” was
built literally and figuratively to obtain (set up, house, repair) children
for the purpose of establishing a permanent family relationship. (Genesis 2:22
NKJV emphasis mine)
God
knew from the beginning that there had to be a counterpart to the male.His timing of bringing her forth was for Adam’s
(the man’s) benefit so he would recognize that he needed her.
What
exactly was different with how the two were created anyway?Scriptures describe a method for each as the
male being “formed” compared to the female being “made”.
Adam,
the male part of man, was formed out of the ground just like
any animal (no wonder they have those tendencies to get dirty and play in the
mud.)It’s easy to see how so many puns
and “pet” names were derived from this realization.
The relationship of Father/Son was
established on Earth like it already was in Heaven with Jesus.This would take Jehovah into His next phase
of the race of man.I wonder how the
conversation went with Adam when God told him he’d have to have surgery in
order to have a wife.
"And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on
Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its
place. 22 Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He
brought her to the man.
And
Adam said: This is now bone of
my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was
taken out of Man.Therefore a man shall leave his father
and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
(Genesis 2:21-24 NKJV)
When God thought of what He wanted
the female to be He designed her with the male in mind.Her being formed is described as something
that took time and care as in building a magnificent temple or castle.She was skillfully crafted and designed to be
cherished and loved.
In bringing her to Adam, Eve was set
apart as a perfect work to be cherished, honored and treasured as something
special in the union ordained as marriage.She is presented to man by the Father, the first bride,
Holy, pure and without spot or wrinkle (guess those finally came because of sin too
… thanks Mum Eve!).
One
Rib Coming Up
Adam was formed while Eve was made, fashioned, crafted.Like a block of ice that was formed, the
sculptor takes away parts and creates something beautiful out of what already
existed.
"Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And
Adam said: This is now bone of
my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was
taken out of Man.” (Genesis 2: 22b-23 NKJV)
The
term woman means the opposite of the
masculine or male species of the race of man.She is female, a wife to the male, as in the married partner of a union
becoming one.
When God took a rib from Adam He removed
something that was initially in man.Through
research we learn that the term rib actually is “curve” or part of his
DNA.Man and woman have an X chromosome,
but the male alone has the Y chromosome.
The female part of man is different
because she carries two XX chromosomes making each part of the union uniquely
beautiful by Divine design.Only when
placed together do they become whole again and one complete man (atom).
There is a logical and orderly reason why God
removed a “rib” from Adam instead of taking another part of his body.Bone contains the DNA from the membrane that
covers them which is needed for reproduction, but the rib periosteum (membrane)
regrows or regenerates when damaged.
Selecting the rib was the perfect choice
because it provides a good supply of blood through the intercostal muscles
allowing healing to take place rather quickly.The miracle for healing was already set in the design of man from the
very beginning.
“Formed
or Made”, fashioning of man and woman terminology is distinct in what the
Master had in mind,A pot as in forming (yatser) of man by the potter in Hebrew,
has a specific purpose and can only be used for one thing at a time.This makes it so much easier to grasp why a
man has difficulty in multi-tasking – he wasn’t designed to do it.
However,
fashioning (the making) of the woman is banah,
which is an artful skill referring to the making of beautiful palaces and
temples.God wanted woman to be more
than a companion and helper.He designed
her to be an aesthetic work, something to look upon and behold as beautiful in
the eyes of her beloved.Built in
abilities including wisdom and knowledge would help sustain her own beauty in
attracting the male counterpart.
Wonder
Woman
Man
and woman were created as a governing team to be interdependent of one another
to accomplish the Will of God.While the
male race was designed to focus on servanthood and purpose oriented, the female
part in service included cultivating relationships.
Eve would bring to Adam what was removed from him
restoring “completeness” to man.As a
part of him, Eve understands Adam’s nature and has a desire to build him up
encouraging him to complete his mission for God and the family.She fills the void that was missing.In other words, in God’s eyes together their
DNA makes ONE person.
The wonderment of a woman is beyond description and is
not to be undermined by any means nor taken lightly. The beauty of being female takes on several
roles in multi-tasking with ease.
Speaking words of confidence into her husband’s life and
giving him her thumbs up approval are key tools to success in the
relationship.God embedded this skill in
“woman” from the moment of creation as a help to her in building up the
marriage carefully just as He did in designing her very being.
She
is his perfect helping match created for the Lord’s purpose not mans.God created the race of man the female and
male counterpart to work together as a team each handing different
responsibilities.
God
created Eve because Adam would be incomplete without her and the purpose of man
(to multiply the family through relationship) could not be established.
The rib from the side shows that God’s
intention was for the couple to work side-by-side in unity with one another
serving their Creator.They are
different but equal as “man” in the creation design.
They complement and don’t take away from the
other.He carefully fashioned molded and
took His time, to make her something beautiful for the male to behold.
When God gave Adam a wife in His Garden, it
was a blessing and favor from the Lord that continues and is available only
through the relationship of marriage.
“He whofinds
a wifefinds a good thing,
and obtains favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22 NKJV)
Think on This Challenge:
Marvelous
in Whose Eyes?
It’s
not too difficult for a woman to believe that she has an inner beauty of sorts,
but when it comes to outer beauty, well that’s a different story.The framework of a woman is marvelous,
valuable and beautiful as sparkling diamonds.
The "woman"
side of the race of man is different and cannot be compared to anything else ever created; Adam as much as
said that when looking for his equal and couldn’t wait to have her in his life.
A
few days after Game Day my husband cracked a joke saying, “You must still be
riding high on those compliments.”Do
you know what I said?
“I would be if I
believed it!”That is what brought on this week’s think
challenge.
It’s
mainly for women, but in a sense is for the race of man.When you look into a
mirror do you see marvelous, mediocre or a mess?
How
did Eve feel about herself when she saw her reflection in the rivers? Did she see what God and Adam saw in her
beyond appearance?
A gentle word to the males … No matter how many times you
tell your woman that she truly is beautiful, she won’t believe you until she
knows it in her heart.She needs to
understand that her beauty is from God, no matter what it looks like to her.
There’s
nobody like you on purpose … you were who God wanted just the way you are. He
loves and adores that beautiful face, body, wacky personality, awkwardness and
all.
Believe that God built a masterpiece, and it’s YOU!Believe that you are fearfully (beautifully)
and wonderfully made (crafted to perfection) just the way you are!(Psalm 139:14)
Maybe
you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of
favor in your life also.Click on the
above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more
information on becoming a child of the Savior.
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Scripture
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Life in Gods Garden, Adam and Eve, Creation, Daily Favor Blog, Daily Favor Relationships, Marriage, Garden of Eden, Jane Meyer, Nicole Mullen, Weekly Challenge, Teaching Series, Christian Living.
