How Did We Get Here? - Lent 2020
Then the LORD God formed a manfrom the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Genesis 2:7
Every community has its own answers to explain our beginning. The Oneida people tell a mythic tale of a Sky Woman, saved by the hard work and sacrificial service of the animals of the forest. It establishes the important connection between humans and animals and helps us to understand the strong role women play in the community. It establishes an understanding of good and evil.
Christians have a different origin story. It tells of a God who makes something out of nothing, who personally intervenes in his creation, fashioning man in His image and molding him from the dust of the earth. He breathes the spirit of life into the man and makes a living being. He gives humans a purpose, gifting them a garden to steward. He also gives them a command, “Do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Unfortunately, the beautiful creation story of Genesis 2 quickly becomes a tragedy in Genesis 3, and the rest of the Bible is a story of God repairing the mess made by our first parents.
God’s creation story in Genesis foretells his re-creation story in the life and ministry of Jesus. Jesus intervenes in creation, becoming a human. He lives with a clear understanding of his purpose, to redeem and restore his creation. He preaches and teaches and heals. He perfectly lives God’s commands. He shows us what true goodness looks like, and in opposing the ultimate evil, He gives his life on a tree of death. He is buried in the dust of the earth. But he lives, rising from the dead and triumphing over the grave!
How did we get here? By the grace of God! As people hear the good news of Jesus, God is still re-creating. He creates faith in Jesus out of unbelief. He gives forgiveness for our failures and life for death. In His Word, he delivers the Spirit of life and strengthens us for life in His kingdom.
Our lives have purpose and meaning. We work in the gardens in which we have been placed. We shepherd the people God has given us to live with. We seek to bless the lives of our neighbors. By God’s grace, as we journey to the foot of the cross, we see God redeeming and restoring.
Great Creator of all things, we praise you for the beauty, power, and intricacy of our world. We acknowledge you have made us and we belong to you. Help us to be good stewards of your creation. Help us to care for our friends and neighbor. Work in us to bless others and send your Spirit to redeem and restore your creation. Amen.