July 17, 2024
In the Garden -- Part 3
Genesis 2:9
07/17/2024
9 And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring
up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and
good for food. The tree of life was in the midst
of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of
good and evil. (ESV)
We believe, teach, and confess that in the beginning, God
created the heavens and the earth, including all plants and
animals. This He did with His Word alone. But with the case of
humans, God sculpted us from the dust of the ground and breathed
into us His Spirit of holiness, wisdom, and intelligence.
Therefore, humans are the utmost height of creation, the ones God
gave as a blessing to all creation to be His hands to care for
land and plants and animals.
``And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every
tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of
life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil.''
From the first day of creation, God provided for the care of
all things. To Adam, God gave every plant and the fruits of
every tree for nourishment. God provided everything the man
needed to remain healthy, to be able to tend the garden, to do
the will of the Most High. And because the man was created in
the image of God, the man was content.
In giving Adam the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,
God also provided for a way for Adam to show His reverence to
God. For Adam, this tree was a form of church, a form of
obedience. For Adam, this tree also became his downfall.
May our Lord grant us the wisdom to hear His Word, and to
trust in Him above all things. Amen.