Scripture Reading : Genesis 2
Theme : God’s Instructions
Now we are given the details concerning the creation of man and woman and their place in God’s plan. This account does not contradict chapter 1; it complements it. We see the man involved in several activities.
Resting (1–3).
God’s rest was the rest of completion, not the rest of exhaustion, for God never gets weary (Ps. 121:4). Adam must have rested also, fellowshiped with the Lord and worshiped Him. The seventh day, the Sabbath, became a sign to Israel that they were God’s special people (Exod. 31:13–17). It is also a symbol of the eternal rest God’s people will have with Him (Heb. 4:9–11).
Working (4–15).
Rest and work must be in balance. Human history involves three gardens: the Garden of Eden, where man took of the tree and sinned; the Garden of Gethsemane, where the Savior took the cup and went to the tree to die for our sins; and the “garden city” of glory where God will take all His children to live forever (Rev. 21–22).
Work is not a curse. God gave Adam the task of guarding the Garden and tilling it. It was a fulfilling ministry for him. Man and God must work together to produce the harvest. St. Augustine said, “Pray as though everything depended on God, and work as though everything depended on you.”
Submitting(16–17).
Naming (18–25).
Man’s naming the animals was a part of his “dominion” as the head of creation (1:26–28). He lost this dominion because of sin (Ps. 8), but we have regained it through Christ (Heb. 2:5ff.).
Adam also named his mate; he called her “Woman.” Later, he would call her “Eve.” God established marriage to meet man’s need for companionship (2:18) and to provide for the rearing of children (1:28). In addition it served as a picture of Christ and His church (Eph. 5:25–32). Adam gave of himself for his bride, and Jesus gave of Himself for His bride (John 19:31–37).
Praying the Scripture
- Work and rest are both good and both are ordained by God. Let us pray that we glorify God not only through our rest but also through our work.
- Since the Lord created his creatures, He has the right to set the limit of their lives and instruct them on what is good and what is evil. Let’s pray that we humble ourselves and follow His instructions.
- Let us thank God for giving us a companion and marriage, so that we can have a family and enjoy the love of father, mother, brothers and sisters.
经文:创2章
主题:神的指示
在这里我们看见了神创造男人和女人的细节以及他们在神计划里的位置。第二章是第一章的补充,两章毫无矛盾之处。在这里,我们也看到人涉及周围许多的事物。
休息(1-3)
神的安息是神创造之工完毕后的安息,不是出于劳累,因神永不疲惫(诗121:4)。那日亚当必定也安息,与主团契并敬拜他。第七日(既是安息日)就成为标志以色列人是神特殊子民的日子(出31:13-17)。这也象征着神的子民将在神里得找永恒的安息(希4:9-11)。
工作(4–15)
人类的历史上涉及三个花园:伊甸园 – 亚当与夏娃曾经吃神所吩咐不可吃的果子而犯罪堕落的花园;客西马尼园 – 救主拿起杯来为我们的罪钉死十架上的花园和充满神荣耀的“城市花园” – 神的儿女永远居住的花园(启21-22)。
休息和工作必须是互相平衡的。工作原本不是一个诅咒。神在伊甸园给了亚当看守花园和耕作的责任。对他来说这是一个充实的工作。神与人携手使我们得到丰富的收成。圣奥古斯丁说,“祷告就好象一切都有赖于神;工作却好像一切都取决于个人。”
顺服 (16–17)
造物主有权支配一切祂所造之物。爱里设定的限制是为了人的益处。神的呼召是要我们自愿的服从祂,而不是被逼来服从他。他想要的是儿女的服从;而不是机器的服从。注意在第16节“自由”这词。
命名(18-25)
人为动物命名表明人是万物之首,有统治权。(1:26-28)。但因罪人类失去了这统领权(诗篇8),但通过基督我们又恢复这个权力(希2:5)。
亚当为自己的伴侣取名称她为“女人”。后来,改为“夏娃”。神创造婚姻,以满足人对伴侣的需要(2:18),并且生养子女(1:28)。此外,它也代表基督和教会的关系(弗5:25-32)。亚当为他的新娘舍己,同样的耶稣也为他的新妇舍命。(约19:31-37)。
用经文祷告
- 工作和休息都是好的,都神所立定的。让我们祷告,不但是我们的工作,同时也过安息来荣耀神。
- 既然神创造万物,那他就有权力为万物设限并给予指导什么是好,什么是恶的。让我们祷告使我们能谦卑并顺从他的指示。
- 我们感谢神赐给我们伴侣和婚姻,以让我们可以有一个家庭和享受父亲、母亲、兄弟姐妹的爱。