• Read Genesis 2:20-25

I’ve read that the word translated here as “rib” is elsewhere translated
as “side.” I know it’s not a huge difference, but to me the idea of “his
side” draws my mind to thinking of us, as men and women, walking side
by side, helpers to each other.

Reflect and consider these questions today:

• How do you feel after reading this story?

• How has understanding this story been helpful to you? Has it been harmful in any way?

• How does Adam seem to feel about this creation called woman?

• Verse 24 says, “for this reason” the two become one flesh. What is this reason? Why does this make sense that the man and the woman become one flesh?

• Of all the emotions that scripture could highlight, why do you think the writer of Genesis is so specific that they felt no shame?

• Read Genesis 2:18-20

Reflect on these questions today:

• Again, how does God provide for the man, Adam?

• I love how Adam mirrors God’s character of creativity. He names all the animals. Can you imagine naming every living creature?

• Would doing this be a fun day for you, or incredibly stressful?

• Why do you think it wasn’t good for the man to be alone?

• What do you think God was looking for in a “suitable” helper? It seems hard to tell if Adam knows at this point that a search is on.

• Read Genesis 2:8-17

• As details get added to the creation story, continue to add to your drawing the layers of beauty and design.

Ponder the following questions today:

• How does God demonstrate care for this man that He had created?

• The phrase “all kinds of trees” keeps popping out to me – so much variety in creation! Some trees were just for visual pleasure. What does this say to you about who God is?

• God gives Adam purpose and work to do. How is this true in your own life?

• As you read it, are the commands in verses 16-17 framed positively or negativity? Is the emphasis on what to do or what not to do? How does that matter?

On a separate piece of paper, jot down some answers to this question:

• In your own life, what are some “yes’s” you sensed from God?

• Read Genesis 2:1-7

Do you notice there is no rain? That is always interesting to me.

• The text describes God as forming the man from the dust of the ground. This seems so intimate to me. What kinds of images does it bring to your mind about who God is or what He is like?

• In this Covid time, it’s hard to imagine breathing into someone’s nostrils. God’s breath animates the man, brings him to life. How do you see God’s Spirit in you bringing life out of you and life into you?

• In chapter 1, God creates through speaking, but here, He is described as creating from dust and dirt. What do the two modes of creation tell us about God?

• Read Genesis 2

Consider the following questions as you go about your day today:

• From this retelling of the creation account, what do you see that is interesting to you?

• What is confusing to you?

• What does this tell you about who God is?

• Read Genesis 1:24-31

Ponder and consider the following questions today:

• What are some of the words used to describe the creation of man and woman?

• Why do you think God specifies that He creates male and female?

• If you think about what you know from the Bible, what does it mean to be a female image bearer? How does being female uniquely reflect God’s image?

• Again, if you think about what you know in the Bible, what does it mean to be a male image bearer? How does being male uniquely reflect God’s image?

• How can the culture and church stereotypes related to maleness and femaleness be hurtful?

• Look at how God provides food for all His creatures in vs. 28-30. What do you notice?

• Lastly, do some drawing! Finish your rendition of creation.

Let’s observe the rhythm of some silence and reflection on these
Sabbaths. Spend some time quietly thanking the Lord for who He has
shown Himself to be in your life.

I noticed in the reading of Genesis 1 and 2 that immediately following
the creation of the man and the woman, God invites them to rest with
Him on the seventh day. Let’s rest with Him this morning.