Day 13: Genesis 2:7
Devotional
READ GENESIS 2:7
Does God have hands to form mud, or lungs to breathe life? As a young child, I used to think in these literal terms. However, Genesis 2:7 intends to communicate something infinitely more profound about how we were created than what we could hope to see with just our eyes.
This verse details the pinnacle of God's creation--His creation of mankind. Unlike the rest of creation, where God simply speaks, Genesis 2:7 shows Him personally forming man. The Hebrew word used for formed here indicates shaping or molding with loving care like a potter shaping clay. Similar to what Isaiah 64:8 says, “…You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter, And all of us are the work of Your hand.” Notice, too, that unlike animals, God intimately breathes His own breath into man, giving us life and understanding (Job 32:8)--the breath of life!
All of this shows God’s personal care and involvement in His creation of mankind. In fact, David marvels over this in Psalm 139:14-15, praising God for how fearfully and wonderfully made we are. From Genesis 2:7, we also learn that we are more than just our material bodies. We are made of both body and soul--unique in His creation. When our physical, material bodies wear out and break down, our immaterial souls, by His grace through faith in Him (Eph 2:8-9), will be in His presence (2 Cor 5:8).
God created us uniquely, with great care, specially designed to live in relationship with Him for eternity. Praise God for the hope we have in Him!
How should we apply this to our lives? I would suggest that we not be so curious about the visible, but rather have eyes for the invisible (Col 1:16). Let’s seek to know Him better through understanding how and why He created us the way He did. Knowing this is significantly more important than knowing what God looks like. God carefully created us special for good works (Eph 2:10) and an eternal personal relationship with him. Let’s allow our gratitude for this truth motivate us to serve and draw closer to Him.
Does God have hands to form mud, or lungs to breathe life? As a young child, I used to think in these literal terms. However, Genesis 2:7 intends to communicate something infinitely more profound about how we were created than what we could hope to see with just our eyes.
This verse details the pinnacle of God's creation--His creation of mankind. Unlike the rest of creation, where God simply speaks, Genesis 2:7 shows Him personally forming man. The Hebrew word used for formed here indicates shaping or molding with loving care like a potter shaping clay. Similar to what Isaiah 64:8 says, “…You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter, And all of us are the work of Your hand.” Notice, too, that unlike animals, God intimately breathes His own breath into man, giving us life and understanding (Job 32:8)--the breath of life!
All of this shows God’s personal care and involvement in His creation of mankind. In fact, David marvels over this in Psalm 139:14-15, praising God for how fearfully and wonderfully made we are. From Genesis 2:7, we also learn that we are more than just our material bodies. We are made of both body and soul--unique in His creation. When our physical, material bodies wear out and break down, our immaterial souls, by His grace through faith in Him (Eph 2:8-9), will be in His presence (2 Cor 5:8).
God created us uniquely, with great care, specially designed to live in relationship with Him for eternity. Praise God for the hope we have in Him!
How should we apply this to our lives? I would suggest that we not be so curious about the visible, but rather have eyes for the invisible (Col 1:16). Let’s seek to know Him better through understanding how and why He created us the way He did. Knowing this is significantly more important than knowing what God looks like. God carefully created us special for good works (Eph 2:10) and an eternal personal relationship with him. Let’s allow our gratitude for this truth motivate us to serve and draw closer to Him.
Personal Reflection
- How should knowing why and how God created us impact how we live?
- How do you understand your own position among creation?
- Do you ever view some people as more or less valuable than others?
Posted in The Beginning Devotionals
2 Comments
I often get in the rut of recognizing what others lack instead of what strengths they posses. Great reminder today that all have been formed by God and His breathe of life is in us all. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made. I need to make sure I focus on that as I look at those around me. Thanks Jeff!
“God intimately breathes His own breath into man, giving us life and understanding (Job 32:8)--the breath of life!…From Genesis 2:7, we also learn that we are more than just our material bodies. We are made of both body and soul--unique in His creation.”
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nThis gave me a picture of God breathing our souls into us. That is why we all have a yearning for Him. And we all have a place for Him when we accept Jesus. I love this picture! Thank you!
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