Wednesday 27 September 2017

Psalm: Psalm 90

Background

Today's passage continues where yesterday's left off, completing thefirst account of the origins of everything. The refrain "and Godsaw that it was good" (Genesis 1:18, 21, 25) comes to a climax inverse 31 when God acknowledges that "it was very good". God clearlyput a lot of God's own self into the work. But then God decided tomake humankind 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. It is subject to change;plants and animals will grow, but as time passes the pristineorderliness will degrade; it needs to be tended. Pruning, weeding,mowing are in prospect, not to mention forestry, conservation andanimal husbandry; shared enjoyment implies shared responsibilityand shared work. Could this be part of what Genesis means by 'inour own image'-sharing in the tending, and perhaps in the planneddevelopment of that pristine environment?

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?