Grace in Creation

The LORD God formed the man from

the dust of the ground and breathed

into his nostrils the breath of life, and

the man became a living being.

                             Genesis 2:7 

…But for Adam no suitable helper was

found…Then the LORD God made a woman

from the rib he had taken out of the man,

and he brought her to the man.

                             Genesis 2:20-22 

     The Old Testament is often thought of only as books of rules, laws, commandments, judgments and the forming of the nation of Israel. And, while the Hebrew word for grace is mentioned only a few times, when we take a closer look, we can find God’s garment of grace spread throughout its pages.

     God’s grace, His favor and kindness, toward Adam was displayed in the gift of Eve—a helper to walk alongside Adam. As a master craftsman, God chose to create Adam from the ground. He could have spoken him into existence, but our hands-on God chose instead to fashion and form and shape until, pleased with His creation, He leaned over and breathed into Adam the breath of life, and man became a living soul.

     He could have formed Eve from the dust of the ground. Instead, He chose to create from the creation—woman from man. God’s gift of grace—the two would be one flesh.

     Creation displays God’s generous and abundant grace. Wildflowers bloom as spring displays life, and autumn leaves change from green to red and gold before they drop to cover the winter ground reminding us that God’s grace is present in the cycle of life.

     The love of God is a constant display of His grace. In Ephesians 3, the Apostle Paul prays that we may be able to grasp “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and that we may know this love that surpasses knowledge.” Grace! In Revelation 22:17 John writes, “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Grace!

     Grace displayed from Genesis through Revelation reveals God’s lovingkindness. You are God’s creation. I am God’s creation, and there is no place we can run or hide, no pit we can fall into, no place that discouragement or hopelessness can overshadow us to the point that God cannot display His grace on our behalf. 

     He still reaches down to fallen man, scoops us up in His arms of grace and shows His lovingkindness. Wherever you are today, God’s grace is on display! Don’t miss it.

 

©JP 2013