Secondly, I’ve been writing some more music not my usual stuff (follow this link to listen) or play in the embedded player below:
Now to the article!
1.) Recapitulation – The beginning of Genesis 2 summarises what happened in Genesis 1 adding how the 7th day is holy because God rested.
Genesis 2:1-3 [NLT] – “[1] So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. [2] On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. [3] And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.”
2.) Genesis 2 has a different account of creation, the order is different and some new pieces of information are added like the springs that aren’t mentioned in Genesis 1, when were they created?
Genesis 2:4-6 [NLT] – “[4] This is the account of the creation of the heavens and the earth. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, [5] neither wild plants nor grains were growing on the earth. For the LORD God had not yet sent rain to water the earth, and there were no people to cultivate the soil. [6] Instead, springs came up from the ground and watered all the land.”
3.) Genesis 1 & 2 have differing/conflicting accounts of the creation order: Gen 2 order: Heavens & Earth > Land & Sea (Separation of Dry Ground & Water) > Man > Garden > Vegetation > Animals that primarily live on land > Birds > Woman and no mention of Fish etc Gen 1 order: Heavens & Earth > Light > Atmosphere > Land & Sea (Separation of Dry Ground & Water) > Vegetation > Stars > Sun & Moon (potentially) > Life in the sea then Birds > Animals that primarily live on land > Man & Woman
Genesis 2:7-9 NLT – “[7] Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person. [8] Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made. [9] The LORD God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground–trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
4.) More new information: we learn there were rivers and mineral deposits around the area that the Garden of Eden was, this has led to speculation that the Garden of Eden was in fact in Africa, potentially around Ethiopia. Read my previous blog for more on this (follow this link for more info).
Genesis 2:10-14 [NLT] – “[10] A river flowed from the land of Eden, watering the garden and then dividing into four branches. [11] The first branch, called the Pishon, flowed around the entire land of Havilah, where gold is found. [12] The gold of that land is exceptionally pure; aromatic resin and onyx stone are also found there. [13] The second branch, called the Gihon, flowed around the entire land of Cush. [14] The third branch, called the Tigris, flowed east of the land of Asshur. The fourth branch is called the Euphrates.”
5.) Humans were created to work! The first humans were Gardeners/Farmers. We also learn about a new special Tree that was in the Garden that humans were never supposed to eat from.
Genesis 2:15-17 [NLT] – “[15] The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. [16] But the LORD God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden– [17] except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.””
6.) HERE’S WHERE IT GETS INTERESTING!!!! Humans were created single (in terms of relationship status) but not designed to be totally alone. I’m not saying we should all get married but I am suggesting that according to Genesis 2 Humans are inherently social and it’s not good for us to be all alone. HOWEVER, let it be noted that God created friends & assistance for Adam in the form of animals first before He brought a woman into Adam’s life. How interesting. Friends first, then relationship next. That’s Gods formula.
I can only imagine that this animal interaction pre woman had to do with socialising Adam so that he was in the right state of mind and maturity in order to appreciate the woman that was to come.
There you go men, if you’re lonely, before going off and put a ring on the first thing that flutters it’s skanky little eyelids at you because you were thinking with your willy and not listening to God… get a dog. Then you will understand how to be friends with, appreciate and care for another sentient being other than your self. Also, a woman will be well impressed with how “responsible” you seem lol.
Women, if you want company or a baby so bad, don’t just sleep with the first mutant that is kind to you, shut you legs… and get a dog. You will see how much hard work it is to care for something that does not care about the fact that you want to sleep in, (I have two dogs), then after you have cleaned up it’s poo and wee for the umpteenth time, you will realise how stupid you were to try and run ahead and get pregnant with any old person, who might not be as dedicated to the idea as you are and you’ll wait a bit longer, (I literally had to stop writing this part way to deal with an, “accident”, *rolls eyes*). Eventually when you have waited for the right one who will marry you before he puts a baby in you, you will have some idea of the responsibility ahead 🙂 . N.B. A dog will also love you unconditionally, humans won’t always do that.
Genesis 2:18-20 [NLT] – “[18] Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” [19] So the LORD God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one. [20] He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. But still there was no helper just right for him.”
Another thing to note, Adam interacted with whatever God asked him to before the woman, seeing different things, getting a wider perspective on life. This helped him to get to know himself and to understand his personality, to the point where he fully understood not only what he wanted but what he needed see v 20. That’s how he knew that the animals were just not the right kind of company. I think that’s really important to stress. Adam was a whole person, knowing himself and the world around him before he committed to a woman who God brought to him. How many people have not gone through that process of seeing life and getting to knew themselves and what kind of person is appropriate for them and ended up rushing ahead and getting married to someone they later realised wasn’t quite right for them?
Also we learn from v 15 ADAM HAD A JOB!!! BEFORE GOD GAVE HIM THE WOMAN! I just felt it necessary to make that point. He was cultivating the Garden etc as God told him to so the woman was able to come to a “nest” not a wreck and a “responsible human being” not a boy. No woman wants to marry a boy it’s totally against our survival instinct. In fact, I would go so far as to say that from Genesis 2, we can understand that women are in fact not created to be in a romantic relationship with an immature man child. God brought Eve to Adam when he was mature. Later, Adam’s subsequent immaturity actually led to the fall of man see Genesis 3 and Romans 5:12-21.
7.) God brought the woman to the man when the man was least expecting it! Hehe. He literally fell asleep. Perhaps don’t freak out about wondering who, where and when you are going to meet the “one”?
Genesis 2:21-22 [NLT] – “[21] So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the LORD God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. [22] Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.”
9.) The first marriage was monogamous. Adam and Eve, the relationship between the Song of Songs woman and her Lover, the relationship between Christ and the Church they all have one thing in common. THEY ARE MONOGAMOUS AND HETEROSEXUAL. Marriage as God instituted it and subsequently mirrored metaphorically later in the bible has and always was is between ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN. God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve. God did not encourage or institute Bigamy, Polygamy, Concubines, prostitution, sexual slavery, homosexuality or inequality between the sexes MAN DID THAT NOT GOD. You read later on in Genesis that this person and the other person had concubines but God didn’t institute that, humans (more than likely men…) did that allllllll by themselves.
Genesis 2:23-24 [NLT] – “[23] “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.'” [24] This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”
In fact, God said that the Israelite Kings were to only have one wife and Paul said that about leaders in the new testament:
Deuteronomy 17:17 NLT – “[17] The king must not take many wives for himself, because they will turn his heart away from the LORD. And he must not accumulate large amounts of wealth in silver and gold for himself.”
1 Timothy 3:2 NLT – “[2] So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife [Bloggers note: other translations say the husband of one wife]. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.”
1 Corinthians 7:2 NLT – “[2] But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband.”
10.) The first humans were NAKED!
Genesis 2:25 [NLT] – “[25] Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.”
I’m so sorry I posted the wrong revision of this yesterday, please note I added extra parts at the bottom in the section talking about women basically noting that although women are made as a helper for the men, we aren’t just an afterthought designed to only service men. Women are equal to men and like every other created being, are for the glory of Jesus, created in the image of God and I noted that it would be heretical to assume otherwise, we just have other cool skills/functions men don’t have like e.g childbirth. I don’t subscribe to submission theology, I’m an egalitarian.
The lyrics got me thinking, God saves the best for last, lets examine this!
FIRST LAST AND LAST FIRST
We already know that God promotes the people in last place all the time. David was the youngest son 1 Samuel 16:11-13, it says in the Bible that the first will be last and last first Matthew 20:16, also, if you want to be a leader you have to be a servant of all:
Matthew 20:25-28 [NLT]
“[25] But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. [26] But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. [28] For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.””
HUMANS – THE FIRST MAN
FIRST – Adam, imperfect son of God, here’s the genealogy from Jesus to Adam:
Luke 3:23-38 [NLT]
“[23] Jesus was about thirty years old when he began his public ministry. Jesus was known as the son of Joseph. Joseph was the son of Heli. [24] Heli was the son of Matthat. Matthat was the son of Levi. Levi was the son of Melki. Melki was the son of Jannai. Jannai was the son of Joseph. [25] Joseph was the son of Mattathias. Mattathias was the son of Amos. Amos was the son of Nahum. Nahum was the son of Esli. Esli was the son of Naggai. [26] Naggai was the son of Maath. Maath was the son of Mattathias. Mattathias was the son of Semein. Semein was the son of Josech. Josech was the son of Joda. [27] Joda was the son of Joanan. Joanan was the son of Rhesa. Rhesa was the son of Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was the son of Shealtiel. Shealtiel was the son of Neri. [28] Neri was the son of Melki. Melki was the son of Addi. Addi was the son of Cosam. Cosam was the son of Elmadam. Elmadam was the son of Er. [29] Er was the son of Joshua. Joshua was the son of Eliezer. Eliezer was the son of Jorim. Jorim was the son of Matthat. Matthat was the son of Levi. [30] Levi was the son of Simeon. Simeon was the son of Judah. Judah was the son of Joseph. Joseph was the son of Jonam. Jonam was the son of Eliakim. [31] Eliakim was the son of Melea. Melea was the son of Menna. Menna was the son of Mattatha. Mattatha was the son of Nathan. Nathan was the son of David. [32] David was the son of Jesse. Jesse was the son of Obed. Obed was the son of Boaz. Boaz was the son of Salmon. Salmon was the son of Nahshon. [33] Nahshon was the son of Amminadab. Amminadab was the son of Admin. Admin was the son of Arni. Arni was the son of Hezron. Hezron was the son of Perez. Perez was the son of Judah. [34] Judah was the son of Jacob. Jacob was the son of Isaac. Isaac was the son of Abraham. Abraham was the son of Terah. Terah was the son of Nahor. [35] Nahor was the son of Serug. Serug was the son of Reu. Reu was the son of Peleg. Peleg was the son of Eber. Eber was the son of Shelah. [36] Shelah was the son of Cainan. Cainan was the son of Arphaxad. Arphaxad was the son of Shem. Shem was the son of Noah. Noah was the son of Lamech. [37] Lamech was the son of Methuselah. Methuselah was the son of Enoch. Enoch was the son of Jared. Jared was the son of Mahalalel. Mahalalel was the son of Kenan. [38] Kenan was the son of Enosh. Enosh was the son of Seth. Seth was the son of Adam. Adam was the son of God.”
Stood there whilst his wife was tricked into sinning and did nothing
Genesis 3:1-7 [NLT]
“[1] The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” [2] “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. [3] “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.'” [4] “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. [5] “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” [6] The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. [7] At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.”
Then proceeded to disobey an explicit command, this one act condemned everybody
Genesis 2:15-17 [NLT]
“[15] The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. [16] But the LORD God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden– [17] except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.””
Death and sin entered the world because of him
Romans 5:12-19 [NLT]
“[12] When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. [13] Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. [14] Still, everyone died–from the time of Adam to the time of Moses–even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. [15] But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. [16] And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. [17] For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. [18] Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. [19] Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.”
SECOND – Jesus Christ was the Perfect Son of God, part of the Godhead, not created like Adam.
Matthew 3:16-17 [NLT]
“[16] After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. [17] And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.””
John 17:1-5, 20-23 [NLT]
“[1] After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. [2] For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. [3] And this is the way to have eternal life–to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. [4] I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. [5] Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began. … [20] “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. [21] I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one–as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. [22] “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. [23] I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”
Jesus was also the second Adam, metaphorically/figuratively speaking
1 Corinthians 15:45 [NLT]
“[45] The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam–that is, Christ–is a life-giving Spirit.”
Jesus was perfect, didn’t stand by whilst his “wife” (1 Cor 12:27, 2 Cor 11:2, Rev 21:9), the church, was being tricked instead He corrected the mistake, the true Son of God, Jesus’ one act of righteousness saved everyone from Adam’s one act of sin
Romans 5:18-19 [NLT]
“[18] Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. [19] Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.”
Jesus was perfect, didn’t stand by whilst his “wife”, the church, was being tricked instead He corrected the mistake,
Matthew 23:1-5 [NLT]
“[1] Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, [2] “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. [3] So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. [4] They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. [5] “Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels.”
Mark 2:15-17 [NLT]
“[15] Later, Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of this kind among Jesus’ followers.) [16] But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?” [17] When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor–sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.””
Matthew 4:17 [NLT]
“[17] From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.””
Ephesians 5:25-30 [NLT]
“[25] For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her [26] to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. [27] He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. [28] In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. [29] No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. [30] And we are members of his body.”
Colossians 1:22 [NLT]
“[22] Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.”
Revelation 21:3-8 [NLT]
“[3] I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. [4] He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” [5] And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” [6] And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega–the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. [7] All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. [8] “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars–their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.””
SALVATION
FIRST – The Law of Moses and the Aaronic priesthood came first, as a way to atone the Israelites to God – this was imperfect and could only temporarily atone IMPERFECT
Hebrews 7:18-26 [NLT]
“[18] Yes, the old requirement about the priesthood was set aside because it was weak and useless. [19] For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God. [20] This new system was established with a solemn oath. Aaron’s descendants became priests without such an oath, [21] but there was an oath regarding Jesus. For God said to him, “The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever.'” [22] Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God. [23] There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. [24] But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. [25] Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. [26] He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven.”
SECOND – Salvation through faith alone – came second and this was a perfect way to atone not only the Israelites but the Gentiles (everybody who isn’t a Jew) to Christ. This was PERFECT
Hebrews 10:1-5, 10-12, 14, 18-20 [NLT]
“[1] The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship. [2] If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared. [3] But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year. [4] For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. [5] That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. … [10] For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. [11] Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. [12] But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. … [14] For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. … [18] And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices. [19] And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. [20] By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.”
John 3:16-18 [NLT]
“[16] “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [17] God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. [18] “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.”
EARTH
FIRST – The Earth we are on now is only “good”, as it says in Genesis, however, as any reasonable scientist will tell you it’s not going to last forever, the Sun will become a supernova one day and engulf the Earth. Also, global warming etc. Most importantly
[Genesis 1:31 NLT]
“[31] Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day.”
Humans don’t at present enjoy the close relationship we had in the Garden of Eden where Jesus would walk around with us face to face.
Genesis 3:8-9 [NLT]
“[8] When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees. [9] Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?””
SECOND – New Jerusalem, impressive, clean, powered by Jesus not electricity or the sun, only good people can live there so there is no crime, there’s the tree of life for healing as well as Jesus so there is no sickness either, people don’t have to pay for water so there is no poverty either.
Revelation 21:1-2, 5-6, 9-10, 22-27 [NLT]
“[1] Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. [2] And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. … [5] And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” [6] And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega–the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. … [9] Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls containing the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come with me! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” [10] So he took me in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. … [22] I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. [23] And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. [24] The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. [25] Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. [26] And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. [27] Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty–but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”
Revelation 22:1-5 [NLT]
“[1] Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. [2] It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. [3] No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. [4] And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. [5] And there will be no night there–no need for lamps or sun–for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.”
NEW WINE
FIRST – Old wine, representing the old ways in the scriptures
Luke 5:33-35 [NLT]
“[33] One day some people said to Jesus, “John the Baptist’s disciples fast and pray regularly, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees. Why are your disciples always eating and drinking?” [34] Jesus responded, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. [35] But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.””
SECOND – New wine, representing salvation through faith in Jesus and not by works
Luke 5:36-39 [NLT]
“[36] Then Jesus gave them this illustration: “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to patch an old garment. For then the new garment would be ruined, and the new patch wouldn’t even match the old garment. [37] “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. [38] New wine must be stored in new wineskins. [39] But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine. ‘The old is just fine,’ they say.””
MORE WINE! DRINKS AT THE WEDDING AT CANA
FIRST – The wine that the hosts had provided was ok but ran out. Representing the old ways, imperfect nature of the old covenant and the finite nature of atonement under the old priestly system
John 2:1-3 [NLT]
“[1] The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, [2] and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. [3] The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.””
SECOND – The wine that Jesus made last, at the end of the party was the best!
John 2:4-11 [NLT]
“[4] “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” [5] But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” [6] Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. [7] Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, [8] he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. [9] When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. [10] “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” [11] This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”
“[7] Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person. [8] Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made. … [15] The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. [16] But the LORD God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden– [17] except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.””
Men are good at stuff, like opening cans! Hitting wood with hammers, killing spiders, I’m trying to think of things men can do that women can’t, umm, wee standing up?
According to the Telegraph newspaper men are better than women at the following things: Drinking, going bald, getting ready, going to the toilet standing up, shopping, making it to the end of the street without being ogled, ageing (read the article here)
Huffington Post says men are good at the following: Being on top saving our jowls being exposed lol, seeing a woman as prettier than she thinks she is, being patient when women shop, they love commitment, half-listening (this has happened to me so many times, I’m pretty sure none of my guy friends listen to 100% verbatim everything that I say lol they skim the important bits, I don’t like it when I can tell their not listening)
SECOND – Woman – humanity would have died out ages ago if there weren’t any woman due to our reproductive capabilities, we have a better sense of smell, wider peripheral vision, we’re physically warmer (higher body temperature) than men, stronger connections in our brains between the sensory parts of our brains so we are more in touch with our feelings, 🙂
[Genesis 2:18-25 NLT]
“[18] Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” [19] So the LORD God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one. [20] He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. But still there was no helper just right for him. [21] So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the LORD God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. [22] Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. [23] “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.'” [24] This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. [25] Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.”
The Metro says women are apparently better than men at the following: walking in heels, holding babies, comforting people when they cry, getting drinks bought for them, accessorising, shopping, giving advice, exercise, makeup, thanks Metro for that…
The Telegraph also says women are better at the following: Multi-tasking, Job interviews, driving, empathising, running successful businesses, coding, not being ill apparently men are more susceptible to illness due to their higher levels of testosterone.
Now look, all this aside the Bible says that women were created because Men cannot do life on their own, the word helper that is used here is ezer
Genesis 2:18-25 [NLT]
“[18] Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.””
It appears again in other places in the Bible like Psalms, it’s actually a word that is used to describe the help that God gives people,
[Psalm 54:4 NLT] [4] But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive!
It’s also used to describe the kind of help that happens in battle when one unit gives aid to another. In fact this verb shows up mostly in combat/battle situations. To quote one of my favourite theologians:
“When God sees Adam all by himself, He concludes that he needs a helper, and creates Eve (Genesis 2:8). It does, however, show that Eve was not Adam’s secretary or maid, but rather an indispensable pillar. In any situation described in the Bible by this verb, without the helper, the person who needed the help would either die or fade away. So God “helps” the fatherless (Psalm 10:14), the ill (Psalm 28:7), those who suffer great spiritual discomfort (Psalm 54:4), and the poor (Psalm 72:12).” Read the article here
Although the two sexes are interdependent of each other:
1 Corinthians 11:11-12 [NLT]
“[11] But among the Lord’s people, women are not independent of men, and men are not independent of women. [12] For although the first woman came from man, every other man was born from a woman, and everything comes from God.”
Women are there because men need help, company, hugs and someone who will cancel “adult nap time” in order to sit and talk through problems.:
[1 Corinthians 11:9 NLT]
“[9] And man was not made for woman, but woman was made for man.”
Men with all their strength and good ideas need a partner in life, I must admit, I’ve seen a lot of single guys just in general in life, particularly in the church, who poor souls are whithering away, due to loneliness or just making stupid decisions because there is no woman in their life to tell them no! Lovely, lovely, people and they are soo desperately lonely and unhappy, would really benefit from a nice little wife just for someone to talk to lol. Also, people are built to be loved, so understandably there is a strong desire for physical, intimate union with someone. Don’t do it before marriage! Wait, everyone wants to be loved but wait. I sang about that here: (follow this link or listen in the embedded player below)
I want to make it clear, everyone is created to worship Jesus. Women are not created for the exclusive use of men. That’s not a biblical standpoint, it’s in fact, heretical and contradictory to what it clearly says in the Bible:
Revelation 4:11 [NLT]
“[11] “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.””
Ephesians 2:10 [NLT]
“[10] For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
1 Corinthians 8:6 [NLT]
“[6] But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life.”
Don’t misinterpret this blog post as saying women are there just for men, I’m not an advocate of submission theology, I’m an egalitarian. I’m not saying women are better than men because they were made second etc, please I don’t advocate that. It’s not biblical because Jesus said:
Matthew 23:8 [NLT]
“[8] “Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters.”
What I am doing is retrieving lost narratives about women and their usefulness, the prominence of God using the second and the underdog for great things and how it relates to our God ordained function. Women are made in the image of God too:
[Genesis 1:26-28 NLT]
“[26] Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” [27] So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. [28] Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.””
We actually reflect God’s creative and reproductive power, due to our reproductive capabilities.
James 1:16-18 [NLT]
“[16] So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. [17] Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. [18] He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.”
Twice the word and spiritual instruction is described as mothers milk, only women and female animals (to my knowledge) can lactate, this shows how God nourishes us. God is speaking to us about Himself through women’s bodies:
1 Peter 2:2-3 [NLT]
“[2] Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, [3] now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.”
1 Corinthians 3:2 [NLT]
“[2] I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready,”
Our emphasis on feelings and the ethereal/intangible nature of feelings reminds me of the work of the Holy Spirit who is like breath, I remember that somewhere in the Bible, in the Hebrew the translation is something like wind or breath, not tangible. I’ll revisit this and post it when I find it but I’m really hungry right now lol.
The unity that men and women experience, during sexual union also reflects the oneness of God spoken about in John 17.
Us helping men, helps to reflect God on earth. (obviously you help other women as well, Jesus said love your neighbour Matthew 22:39, so that’s obvious). As I said earlier, the word helper that is used for women the same Hebrew word is also used for the help that God gives humanity. Everything about a perfected and holy friendship/marriage/kinship between a man and a woman reflects God, His kingdom and purpose and the way that God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit work together like a family and a team. We are supposed to be like God:
James 1:16-18 [NLT]
“[16] So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. [17] Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. [18] He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.”
It’s like Jesus says if you want to be first you have to be last and a servant of everyone. Quite often we are last, whether it’s in pay, people listening to our views, enjoying sex! or even just having a night off from cooking! We do tend to be servants, literally! Domestic workers are mainly women! Our lives are full of a lot of pain, periods etc, sex can hurt the first time. Something that bothers me, thinking about getting married (once I meet my future husband lol). The first time, oh my goodness, I worry a lot that it’s going to hurt, it bothers me. It really does lol (Read about what I said about women’s physical pain and why we persevere here).
Again, I’m not saying women are better than men, I’m just pointing out how much men need women and how undervalued we are and how dangerous it is to oppress us because that disables us from being able to perform our function which is to help. When a woman is educated and fulfilled she is in the best possible position to help. Sometimes that help comes in the form of being a stay at home mother and sometimes that help comes in the form of being a CEO of a company or the Prime Minister or the President. Knowing what God created us to do it’s up to the men to decide whether or not they take it but they reject and oppress us knowing fully well that it’s not in their interest, according to the scriptures above. Who leaves their armour at home or tells discourages natural nurturer it not to talk up in a board meeting? We are created to help humanity survive, we want to help companies make decisions that will make them better and more money so we can have money to feed our children…
Women might be smaller and yes we might have been created second but we are not second class or second best! God will use us because we are second and oppressed. Watch this space, what comes second is usually the thing that God does something powerful with and we are equipped with the sense and nature to do something incredible! We give birth to the men, we teach them as they grow and when they become adults, we love them 🙂 Everybody needs that, the physical and emotional nurturing that comes from things like breastfeeding is so key in growing a person into a stable fully functioning adult. A stable fully functioning adult is able to spread the Gospel and worship Jesus! We are soo useful and necessary!
Man it’s been hot in the UK lately. Twas like the scorching a thousand suns! Another quick one!
Basically, I’ve been really busy doing research for my PhD. I’ve been reading a book about womanist theologies, apparently a womanist is a feminist who is a woman of colour, usually particularly interested in advancing the causes of her people but is for the advancement of men and women. I’ve also been learning about the impact that slavery has had on the African-American psyche. All very interesting. I recommend “Sisters in the Wilderness” by Delores S. Williams for more information on that subject matter.
Once I get an opportunity to pry myself from my work for a bit longer I’ll post another long piece!
Lots of love Catherine
