Genesis 2

I had been obsessing over the details of Genesis 2. I was searching for the meaning behind all the stones and rivers and other specifics that are mentioned. Finally it dawned on me that most important thing to grasp from this passage is not the secret meaning hidden in these symbols but simply that the land God had made was abundently prosperous. This place that God has created was lavished with wealth and beauty - it was a paradise - a place that abounded with goodness. This simple message sets the scene for the following chapters and drives home the important truth that a God centred world was a good world. We do not read about famine, there is no mention of death or disease, there are no harrowing stories of war or family break up. The only thing that was missing from this magnificant creation was 'women' and God responded to Adam's need for an equal with great providence. This paradise was now complete.

v16-17
I've never read the manual for a new electrical good or piece of technology because they are usually far too long and onerous. At the beginning of Adam's story God did not sit him down with a 400 page operational instruction manual for life. In fact there was simply just one command that was passed onto him in person. One rule was given to ensure that paradise remained that way. This is contrary to many people's perception of God - 'oh he is all rules and regulations' they claim. Actually God gave Adam the freedom to enjoy the garden in all the ways he could find. This garden was his adventure, a place to explore, dicover and appreciate. God's intention was never to dominate, control, opress and restrict us rather he intended to give us great freedom in the context of a loving relationship with him.

v18-20
This freedom was expressed in God's delegation of responsiblity for the world. Adam was given the task of naming all the extravagent things God had created. We pay thousands of pounds today to travel to see elephants, giraffes and cats but Adam's job was to wander round the garden and decided what all of these things would be called. This is the first introduction we have to world of work. You can't help imagine what would have happened if Eve had been on the stage at this point - husband and wife trying to agree what to name everything in the world - God waited a while to ensure the job got done! Work was a gift from God that introduced puspose and meaning into life.