The first two chapters in Genesis tell us how everything, including humans, were created.
In the beginning God wanted to create humans. He knew everything we would need and He knew the correct order in which to make it appear. The first thing needed was light. Everything needs sunshine. Sunlight provides the energy for plants, animals and humans. Plants get their energy from photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process in which light is converted into energy. Animals and humans get their energy by eating the plants and eating the animals that only eat plants. Without the sun there would be no warmth. Most plants cannot survive in cold weather. That is why we plant in spring and reap in fall and why we must take potted plants inside when there is a frost or freeze warning.
The next thing needed was an atmosphere. He knew every living thing would need air to breathe so He created oxygen, hydrogen, and all the other elements. These things are not needed in Heaven so He separated Heaven and Earth. This separation was also to keep the devil and his angels from reentering after they were cast out.
Now that there was sunlight and air, the key elements for survival, it was time to put food on the earth. Before anything could grow there needed to be dry ground. There also needed to be water to keep the plants, trees, and grass from withering. Now, God in His infinite wisdom, places all that we need for nourishment and commands it to keep multiplying. We don't have to do anything. The seeds are going to fall or be scattered by birds, insects or other creatures and will sink into the earth and grow and the cycle will continue.
Darkness is needed for us to sleep and rest, but just think how scary it would be to not be able to see anything when it is dark. That is why He made the stars. Even though it is night and we need to be sleeping and resting there are times when we need to be up and need a little light. I know we have electricity now but sometimes it isn't working or we are in a place where there isn't any power. Also, for thousands of years there wasn't electricity. There wasn't even any candles when Adam and Eve were created. I think this is also a reminder to us that no matter how dark the storms of life seem to be that Jesus is always there. He is the stars in the night and He will be the sun when it is over.
Birds were needed to help scatter some of the seeds. Just think how unpleasant the oceans, lakes, rivers, and seas would be if there were no sea creatures in them. I enjoy watching the documentaries about ocean life. It is interesting to see all the unusual things our wonderful Lord and Father has placed there.
Finally it is the sixth day and time for land animals, insects and mankind. Everything was perfectly and lovingly prepared for them. If you watch nature shows you will see that all creatures have a responsibility to each other.
When God made Adam He made him in His image. In other words, He gave Adam a kind and loving heart. He is able to forgive others and he strives to always do right. When there is sin in our lives it makes us an enemy of God so we are unable to always forgive and love others.
All creatures had a mate except Adam. God saw that he also needed someone so He made Eve to be a companion and helper. People are baffled at how different men and women are in their abilities and their thinking. We were created that way so we could help each other. It is difficult when you are alone to get certain things accomplished. There are times when you don't know the answer and someone of the opposite sex does. I'm not saying you should rush into a marriage just to have someone during those times. You should pray and ask God to send the one He has picked for you. Only then can it be a life long and happy union. There is someone for everybody.
On the seventh day He rested. This was to be an example to us that we don't need to work all the time. We can accomplish a lot in a few days. We also need to remember our Creator and be thankful for all He has done for us.
When God told Adam and Eve that if they ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that they would die the same day, I don't think He was speaking of death as in no longer breathing. If He was, Adam and Eve would have been no more. I think He was meaning a spiritual death. So, if I'm correct, Satan was being partially truthful when he told Eve she would not die. Satan was talking of physical death. Ephesians 2:1-5 says: (1) And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. (3) Among whom also we all had our conversations in times past in the lusts of the flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;).
Isn't it great that we have such a loving and wonderful Father who knew in the beginning what we would need and when we would need it? He knew that Eden was for a short time so He also prepared us a way back to Him through His Son Jesus Christ before the first thing came into existence.
Unless God tells me otherwise, my next lesson will be on chapters 3 and 4: the eviction from Eden and Cain and Abel. Until then, keep your eyes toward Heaven because Jesus can return at any moment.
Leigh
In the beginning God wanted to create humans. He knew everything we would need and He knew the correct order in which to make it appear. The first thing needed was light. Everything needs sunshine. Sunlight provides the energy for plants, animals and humans. Plants get their energy from photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process in which light is converted into energy. Animals and humans get their energy by eating the plants and eating the animals that only eat plants. Without the sun there would be no warmth. Most plants cannot survive in cold weather. That is why we plant in spring and reap in fall and why we must take potted plants inside when there is a frost or freeze warning.
The next thing needed was an atmosphere. He knew every living thing would need air to breathe so He created oxygen, hydrogen, and all the other elements. These things are not needed in Heaven so He separated Heaven and Earth. This separation was also to keep the devil and his angels from reentering after they were cast out.
Now that there was sunlight and air, the key elements for survival, it was time to put food on the earth. Before anything could grow there needed to be dry ground. There also needed to be water to keep the plants, trees, and grass from withering. Now, God in His infinite wisdom, places all that we need for nourishment and commands it to keep multiplying. We don't have to do anything. The seeds are going to fall or be scattered by birds, insects or other creatures and will sink into the earth and grow and the cycle will continue.
Darkness is needed for us to sleep and rest, but just think how scary it would be to not be able to see anything when it is dark. That is why He made the stars. Even though it is night and we need to be sleeping and resting there are times when we need to be up and need a little light. I know we have electricity now but sometimes it isn't working or we are in a place where there isn't any power. Also, for thousands of years there wasn't electricity. There wasn't even any candles when Adam and Eve were created. I think this is also a reminder to us that no matter how dark the storms of life seem to be that Jesus is always there. He is the stars in the night and He will be the sun when it is over.
Birds were needed to help scatter some of the seeds. Just think how unpleasant the oceans, lakes, rivers, and seas would be if there were no sea creatures in them. I enjoy watching the documentaries about ocean life. It is interesting to see all the unusual things our wonderful Lord and Father has placed there.
Finally it is the sixth day and time for land animals, insects and mankind. Everything was perfectly and lovingly prepared for them. If you watch nature shows you will see that all creatures have a responsibility to each other.
When God made Adam He made him in His image. In other words, He gave Adam a kind and loving heart. He is able to forgive others and he strives to always do right. When there is sin in our lives it makes us an enemy of God so we are unable to always forgive and love others.
All creatures had a mate except Adam. God saw that he also needed someone so He made Eve to be a companion and helper. People are baffled at how different men and women are in their abilities and their thinking. We were created that way so we could help each other. It is difficult when you are alone to get certain things accomplished. There are times when you don't know the answer and someone of the opposite sex does. I'm not saying you should rush into a marriage just to have someone during those times. You should pray and ask God to send the one He has picked for you. Only then can it be a life long and happy union. There is someone for everybody.
On the seventh day He rested. This was to be an example to us that we don't need to work all the time. We can accomplish a lot in a few days. We also need to remember our Creator and be thankful for all He has done for us.
When God told Adam and Eve that if they ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that they would die the same day, I don't think He was speaking of death as in no longer breathing. If He was, Adam and Eve would have been no more. I think He was meaning a spiritual death. So, if I'm correct, Satan was being partially truthful when he told Eve she would not die. Satan was talking of physical death. Ephesians 2:1-5 says: (1) And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. (3) Among whom also we all had our conversations in times past in the lusts of the flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;).
Isn't it great that we have such a loving and wonderful Father who knew in the beginning what we would need and when we would need it? He knew that Eden was for a short time so He also prepared us a way back to Him through His Son Jesus Christ before the first thing came into existence.
Unless God tells me otherwise, my next lesson will be on chapters 3 and 4: the eviction from Eden and Cain and Abel. Until then, keep your eyes toward Heaven because Jesus can return at any moment.
Leigh