"The LORD formed man (Adam) of the dust of the ground (Adamah), and man (Adam) became a living being." Gen. 2:7
I am aware of the various interpretations that have been assigned to this portion of the Genesis materials. I am also aware of the sources of the Genesis material and the cultures that influenced and contributed to their formation. What is even more impressive is that in spite of the criticism that has been directed toward this portion of the Genesis materials their literary integrity remain uncompromised. The verse that is given above has been particularly assaulted because it braves a world-view that some long to overthrow.
The intrinsic teleology (purpose) of the passage is direct and compelling. The LORD God is the subject of the verse without question. We are informed by the philosopher-poet that the creative activity of God extended to man (Adam).
Man is inherently related to the biosphere. Man arose from the biosphere through the creative action of God. The account of Man's creation is unique in ancient religious literature. Man is not the creation of irrational and capricious gods. On the contrary, he is the result of the loving creative activity of God. Man was created in the image (shadow) and likeness (shadow) of the Lord.
The source material for the creation of man was the chemical elements of the biosphere. It is now old knowledge that the chemical properties of the earth are found within the unique biology of man. The DNA chemical ladder within man is also found in the DNA of the other creatures of the biosphere. Man is unique because he was given a spiritual dimension too. Man is, therefore, inherently spiritual.
God breathed into his face the breath of lives. This is radical and weighs the passage with the irreducible importance of human life. Man was created by the direct activity of God. Man is significant because of his origin.
God gives his name to the creation of man. This is a powerful revelation and substantively illustrates the relationship that Man is to have with the Creator. God never defends or denies his relationship to Man even when he is rejected by Man.
God created Man for a purpose. Man is to have a meaningful relationship with the Creator. Man was fashioned by Elohim to possess the ability to know God in a manner that satiates his existence. This is what is missing today. People are unfulfilled. They sublimate distractions full of discontent that cannot satisfy.
God wants to be in a meaningful relationship with you. He has sent the Iesous as evidence of his desire. To believe the Word of God requires faith on your part. You must come to God and accept his Word that you are the object of his Grace.
You may feel diminished and devalued because of some terrible experience, but know that God is in the business of giving you a living purpose. You are not merely a list of numeric symbols that catalogue your activities from cradle to grave. You are not merely a list of symptoms that render you dysfunctional.
You are valued by God. Claim his love for you today through the Iesous who loved you and gave his life for you.
Blessings to you.
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