Connecting Scriptures: Exodus 20:8-11, Mark 2:27, Psalm 33:20, 

Psalm 103:14, Romans 6:23, Revelation 22:14

How important is “rest”to you?  Is it the reward for hard work?  Is it something you have to set aside as a luxury?  Is it about shutting down and numbing out?  Looking at the world, rest is presented as a very self indulgent practice.  Often touted as “me time” and “self care” when all the while what that really ends up being is an excuse to let down our guards to sin and unhealthy habits that chase comfort instead of the Creator.  God is not a man that needs rest.  He needs nothing.  So, what is being communicated to us here about rest and its use?  In the connecting scriptures we can draw out a bigger picture of God seeing our needs and telling us to trust Him with the burdens of work and provision.  We need to need Him.  Our souls are wired for a relationship that depends on its Creator.  The seventh day to rest is a way we can worship and acknowledge that this command to rest is less about not mowing the grass and more about being thankful that we serve a God who supplies everything we need.  Stop, trust and praise him for rest!

Chapter 2 sets a close up view of mans creation and established purpose.  I am struck in in its detail to lay a foundation (no pun intended) that the ground hadn’t been cultivated yet—that’s because God was about to make a gardener.  Out of that same ground that came plants, animals, and every creeping thing by a word, God was about to get down in the thick of things to form man with a very specific purpose.  Like a potter at the wheel, Adam is made and is filled with soul and spirit by the breath of God.  This act set Adam, and ultimately Eve (who was made from Adam) apart from all other things created.  He was activated as an image bearer of God, made with a specific purpose to tend the land and take charge of all of creation.  This was good work, work that would fill his days with joy, knowing that every need was supplied by the Creator.  He would reflect his God by creatively naming the animals.  Then, because of his great love for Adam, God made him a “helper” in Eve.  This word “ezer” in hebrew and “paraclete” in greek, is an attribute and identity God uses to describe His own heart toward us (Psalm 33:20 and John 14:26 as examples). 

The chapter ends with our foundation of marriage.  A man and woman, well suited for each other, sharing one purpose together—to glorify God.  They will reflect not only the image of God in their separate natures, but together will give the world a picture of the Godhead (Father, Son and Spirit) in perfect relationship with each other.   They will work unburdened as they enjoy each other and the freedom to know God without barriers or fear.  Cue the slow dance song and credits.  But—no, this isn’t where the “happily ever after” occurs.  Chapter 3 is around the bend and heart break is eminent.  For the moment, let’s thank God that what He made and where He intends to take this creation—is beautiful.  

Questions for Reflection:

1.  As we can understand through the Word what godly rest really is, what keeps you from living it out? 

2.  Seeing marriage as a reflection of the Godheads unity and fulfilling mans need for a helper (and vice versa), how is God strengthening or correcting your view of marriage? How has the world distorted the beauty of marriage?