Genesis One has many levels of understanding. Only the most limited impart mythical
attributes. Myth comes with misunderstanding
or incredulity. This series delves into
aspects that are not taught in Sunday school.
Today’s topic is easy.
Worship the Creator only.
Readers generally miss the extreme audacity of Genesis
One. It blatantly mocks the worship of
every nature god. Every thing is subject to the One Creator’s
authority and majesty. In essence, Genesis One says, “One God created
everything. No others need apply.”
The writer begins with his creed, “In the beginning God
created heaven and earth…” (NIV) He speaks plainly. He speaks of beginning but not of time. All things originate at one source. This statement acts as a title to define the
rest of the text. It boldly states that worshiping
the Creator is the only logical choice.
Then, the writer organized creation into six days and described
each set as “good.” God enjoyed the
experience of creation. The list contained
all the things commonly worshiped but not worthy of worship.
Day 1 – Don’t worship light and darkness (angels, demons,
spirits).
Day 2 – Don’t worship sky and water.
Day 3 – Don’t worship earth and plants.
Day 4 – Don’t worship astral bodies.
Day 5 – Don’t worship aquatic animals and birds.
Day 6 – Don’t worship any land animal including man.
In Genesis 2:1-2, the seventh day starts with the text conclusion,
which restates the initial creed, “Thus the heavens and the earth were
completed in all their vast array.” (NIV)
It has God stepping back (resting) to watch creation unfold. As He had blessed the various parts of
creation, He blessed the seventh day. In
it the next important part of creation started.
God’s image would learn to act like God.
To be continued:
[Lessons from Creation’s
Parables: Genesis and Standard Science, Sung as One, by Jo Helen Cox.]
Also in this series: