Course: Solid Ground - Faith & Family
May 26, 2022 | Dave Rueter
Passage: Genesis 2:7-25
First Article - Creation
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
What does this mean? I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them...
The creation of humanity is explored in Genesis 2:7-25. Unlike the rest of God’s creative work where He spoke all other things into existence, the creation of the first man and woman was uniquely handled. Handled is a good way to express the uniqueness of God’s creation of our ancestors.
God quite literally gets His hands dirty, working with the dust of the ground to form that man who would be named Adam. Then from within the body of Adam, a rib is taken to form the woman, Eve, who was created to be his wife. This additional creative action comes as the result of the recognition of Adam’s need for another like him with whom to be in relationship .
Not much has changed in that regard. We remain relational beings. Sin has altered our ability to best be in relationship with one another, but the need for relational connection remains in all of us. We continue to need to remain in relationship with one another as well as with God.
As a part of that relationship, God continues to provide for us all that we need to sustain our body and soul through His creation. God uses both the miraculous and the mundane. The psalmist notes that: “You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man's heart.” (Psalm 104:14-15) James further notes in James 1:17 that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Thus God has not only created but also sustains His creation.
Thoughts for Reflection
What comfort does God’s continued sustaining of His creation provide to you?
Course Information
The catechism has been a foundational tool in teaching the Christian faith across generations. Yet, too often the catechism is treated as a tool to be used during confirmation class and then placed on the shelf thereafter. This series explores three of the six chief parts from Luther's Small Catechism, focusing on the 10 Commandments, Apostles' Creed, and Lord's Prayer. Each part is an essential foundation for our faith and something that Luther emphasized ought to be revisited in the Christian home with regularity.
