Wednesday 31 October 2012

Background

Today's passage continues where yesterday's left off, completing the firstaccount of the origins of everything. The refrain continues: "andGod saw that it was good" (Genesis 1:10, 12, 18). God clearly put alot of God's own self into the work. But then God decided to makehumankind in "his [own] image" and likeness. Could it be that,having made everything and seen that it was good, God wanted tocreate a being that could share God's own enjoyment? Oh yes, andalso help to take care of it?

The idea of creation is not static. Itis subject to change; plants and animals will grow, but as timepasses the pristine orderliness will degrade; it needs to betended. Pruning, weeding, mowing are in prospect, not to mentionforestry, conservation and animal husbandry; shared enjoymentimplies shared responsibility and shared work. Could this be partof what Genesis means by 'in our own image'-sharing in the tending,and perhaps in the planned development of that pristineenvironment?

To Ponder

• Is humanity fit for purpose? Why?

• How far do you see yourself as a steward of creation? How doesthat noble ideal 'cash-out' in your everyday life?