Day 17: Genesis 2:18-20
Devotional
READ GENESIS 2:18-20
It is not good for man to be alone. God Himself is never alone; as a triune being, Elohim is in constant community with Himself. Relationship is in His very nature. Yet, even though His needs are met in Himself, God sought to express His fathomless imagination in creating vast worlds and image-reflecting beings to share it with.
God’s guidelines on the sixth day were meant not to oppress, but to protect man and guide him in the way that is best. To further provide for His image-bearer, God declared that He would make a helper--ēzer--for Adam. Often misunderstood as “assistant,” ēzer in Scripture actually describes a rescuer, strengthener, or savior. While Adam’s quest culminates in the creation of Eve, God also seems to describe himself in this text: “I will make for man a savior of the same kind as him.”
Adam’s task of naming animals while seeking a companion was not the most efficient, yet it was infinitely more personal than any alternative. Picture a man crafting a gift for his infant son, who sits in his lap “helping” Him accomplish the task. God cared enough about Adam’s creative expression to cultivate it and share His work with Him. He proves time and time again to be our refuge, strength, and salvation—because He values relationship.
God shares work with us also, giving us ownership in the story that He is writing! God cares about our creativity and our labor, for when we carry out the tasks He has set before us, we express His image and glorify Him! God cares about us because He has invested in us; He knows us truly and deeply, understands our needs, and meets them daily. We should seize this blessing of an opportunity to fellowship with our sovereign creator!
It is not good for man to be alone. God Himself is never alone; as a triune being, Elohim is in constant community with Himself. Relationship is in His very nature. Yet, even though His needs are met in Himself, God sought to express His fathomless imagination in creating vast worlds and image-reflecting beings to share it with.
God’s guidelines on the sixth day were meant not to oppress, but to protect man and guide him in the way that is best. To further provide for His image-bearer, God declared that He would make a helper--ēzer--for Adam. Often misunderstood as “assistant,” ēzer in Scripture actually describes a rescuer, strengthener, or savior. While Adam’s quest culminates in the creation of Eve, God also seems to describe himself in this text: “I will make for man a savior of the same kind as him.”
Adam’s task of naming animals while seeking a companion was not the most efficient, yet it was infinitely more personal than any alternative. Picture a man crafting a gift for his infant son, who sits in his lap “helping” Him accomplish the task. God cared enough about Adam’s creative expression to cultivate it and share His work with Him. He proves time and time again to be our refuge, strength, and salvation—because He values relationship.
God shares work with us also, giving us ownership in the story that He is writing! God cares about our creativity and our labor, for when we carry out the tasks He has set before us, we express His image and glorify Him! God cares about us because He has invested in us; He knows us truly and deeply, understands our needs, and meets them daily. We should seize this blessing of an opportunity to fellowship with our sovereign creator!
Personal Reflection
- What tasks has God given you for you to come alongside Him in accomplishing?
- How can recognizing Jehovah Ezer (The Lord is my Help) as your rescuer and provider strengthen how you to respond to the tasks God brings to you?
- Where in your life have you seen God acknowledge your needs—the things it is not good for you to go without—declare that He will meet them, and then walk alongside you as He provides for them?
Posted in The Beginning Devotionals
2 Comments
I really appreciate your word picture of the infant son in his father’s lap in relation to God sharing in His creative process by giving mankind a part in it.
It is pretty exciting and humbling to think that God has invited us in to participate in His work. Thanks for the challenge and reminder to find what God is asking me to do as part of His story. Thanks Nate!