JANUARY 12-18: IN THE BEGINNING...
Come Follow Me: “In the Beginning God Created the Heaven and the Earth” Genesis 3-4; Moses 4-5 Genesis 1-2; Moses 2-3; Abraham 4-5
What? How? Who? Why? Science answers many of these questions. Philosophy answers many. Religion answers many. These practices are not at odds with each other, but harmonize in explanations from differing views.
The Bible’s explanation of the creation is a very poetic and artistic telling, passed on from generation to generation orally. I imagine the stories put to song as a vehicle to help remember.
Such a pattern is beautifully illustrated by Michael Eldridge from Mission Valley Community Chapel.
The Creation - Acapeldridge
I find some beautiful truths in the patterns shown in the biblical telling of creation. You and I also apply these as we create, whether in building, sewing, art or meal prep: defining purpose, using patterns, determining order, gathering tools and materials, then organizing the materials to become what we intend them to be, to serve the purpose we intend. Not so mystical or mysterious at all. We just don’t have a full understanding yet of the materials God has to work with, and perhaps we want to oversimplify his timing.
We also want to oversimplify the genre of the Bible. What is literal? What is symbolic? We find both in poetry. Do we need to specify as one or the other? Our modern voice is very different from how the ancients spoke. Just as we struggle to learn the language of our sisters and brothers around the globe today, we struggle to learn the language of the ancients. What is found is layers of meaning, both literal and symbolic. Symbiotic in profound truth.
As science gives explanation as to how creation happens, does that diminish the wonder of how this world, the universe in all its complexities, came together. The evidence demands that matter doesn’t organize itself; there must be an architect behind it all. A creator.
Moses 1:31 “And God saw every thing that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” (understatement!)
Creator - Phil Wickham
And then comes mankind. Because we are the WHY.
The Creation of Adam & Eve - My Tiny Tales TV
How each creature came into being is incomprehensible to me, even as I delight in their beauty and variety, or annoyed by a few pesks. As a creature of humankind, I am given to be a steward of this incredible earth and its creatures, flora and fauna. I can find delight in my little piece of this earth, strive to salvage what God created along with what man is creating as we evolve.
Yes, we must evolve. Even as we must also be responsible caretakers.
Day 6: Adam and Eve - Cinematic Piano Orchestra - YoungMin You
What a beautiful world we live in! Thank you, Father Creator!