God's Creation and Covenant promote order and harmony.
Genesis 1 suggests humankind being created simultaneously male and female - made in the image of God with mind, body and soul. Genesis 2, however, begins with creation of man (Adamah = earth creature) and later the creation of woman (Eve/Havah = to breathe/to give life) to alleviate man’s loneliness. In Genesis 2, plants and animals are described in relation to Adamah who with free will can determine what this relationship is like. Before Original Sin, which caused conflict and division, there was Original Goodness based on harmony and love. The word ecology is more than just environment as it is from the Greek "oikos" meaning "household/home" and "logos" meaning "reason/logic" |
‘Give thanks to GOD who is good. Your covenant love endures forever’ is the response in several psalms, in this version the verses tell of the glory of Creation and God’s saving hand during the Exodus.
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The story of Moses*
The birth of Moses - Exodus 2:1-10 The call of Moses and Moses’ relationship with God - Exodus 3:1-17 The crossing of the sea of reeds – Exodus 14:10-31 |
Jesus as a Jewish person - Luke 4:16-21
Jesus prayed and taught others to pray – Luke 11:1-4 Jesus and his family celebrating the Passover in Jerusalem - Luke 2:41-47 Jesus and the Apostles celebrating Passover - Matthew 26:17-19 The call of Peter, Andrew, James and John - Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 3:13-19 |
We can learn from the experiences of others even from long ago.
These accounts in Genesis are believed to have been written by priestly authors with a focus on essential elements of the brit ("circle")/covenant (don't worry, the circumcision ritual details aren't part of the core text!). It details how the Jewish people returning to Judah after the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BC understood how their past directed their future: God is present with them even in their suffering, even when they were in alien lands. The ages are meaningful but not necessarily literal - they emphasise the power of God to perform unexpected miracles for example childbirth in old age. |
God’s Promise to Abraham and Sarah*
Genesis 17:1-8, 15-19, 21-22 |