WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 31, 2010
____________________________________________
SURVIVING THE DARK TIMES
(GOD’s power and glory satisfies us in desperate times)
(Psalms 63 & 2 Samuel 15:13-26)
It is believed, perhaps by most scholars, that, Psalm 63 was written by David during the time when he was chased out of Jerusalem, as a result of a takeover attempt by his son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15). After being separated from the “Ark of the Covenant” and his place of worship in Jerusalem, David tries to satisfy his longing for worship by praising GOD for HIS loyal love, while he was still lingering in a stressful situation in the wilderness.
Here David cries out because of his deep longing to experience GOD’s presence, which, over time, had come to be symbolized in the “Ark of the Covenant”, in Jerusalem. While in the wilderness, GOD causes David to realize that his soul can find satisfaction, through praise, from anywhere he may be, not just in Jerusalem, and not just in the presence of the Ark. GOD wanted to, once again, remind David, and his Israelite followers, not to worship HIM in a superstitious manner. GOD does not want us to treat HIM like a good luck charm, or, as idol god worshippers do, but rather, GOD wants us to see HIM as HE is, the omni-potent, omni-present, all-knowing, sovereign GOD of the universe.
Over the years, David and the Israelites had developed a habit by which they were treating the “Ark of the Covenant” like a common everyday idol. They had become very superstitious and wouldn’t even go to war without taking it with them, and on one occasion the LORD allowed them to suffer defeat at the hands of the Philistines because of the way they treated the Ark (1 Samuel 4:3-11). The Israelites kept changing their focus of worship from GOD HIMSELF, to the “Ark of the Covenant”.
On this occasion, however, while fleeing from Jerusalem, David seems to have finally learned the lesson that GOD was trying to teach them, and here (2 Samuel 15:25-26) he instructs Zadok to turn around and take the Ark of the Covenant back into the city, as this time he would trust in the LORD HIMSELF to save him, not the presence of the Ark.
During this dark hour, David finds a renewed confidence, and experiences a unique joy in the LORD, WHO always sees him, and knows his needs, wherever he may be. He once again becomes confident and even starts to anticipate a time when the LORD would rid him of enemies as HE always had in the past. And, even though his relationship with his family and the people of Israel was a bit strained at that time, his more important, personal, experiential relationship with GOD was not.
David realized that his confidence in GOD was based on his past experiences with GOD, and had nothing to do with the Ark. He learned that GOD’s love and care for him was something he could count on no matter what the circumstances were. And what GOD provided for him, in the form of spiritual sustenance, was much better than anything that life had to offer, in the form of physical riches.
In 2 Samuel 15, after ordering that his priest take the Ark back to Jerusalem, David says, “If the LORD sees fit, HE will bring me back to see the Ark and the Tabernacle again. But if HE is through with me, then let HIM do what seems best to HIM”.
David responded to his confidence in GOD with praise, and he expressed it here in Psalm 63, in two ways. First, he reacted verbally by telling GOD how much he appreciated HIM. Then, he accompanied his words with a physical expression of thanks, by raising his hands in a visual display of worship (Psalm 63:4). He chose also to dwell not on what he lacked, but rather, on what he had. He decided to be content in the midst of his difficulties, and to enjoy the rich “spiritual food” that GOD was providing to him, even there in the darkened wilderness, during the darkest of times.
A close personal, experiential relationship with GOD is what causes GOD to, not only bless us, but show us favor. It has nothing to do with Big Mama’s ring, or bible, that, we hold on to, because “she” had a close relationship with GOD. The Apostle Paul calls that kind of faith, in the Greek, “deisidaimonesteros” (dice-ee-dahee-mon-es-ter-os), which means “religiously superstitious” (Acts 17:22-23).
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, October 29, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 24, 2010
____________________________________________
GOD RULES OVER THE NATIONS
(The Most High GOD reigns over all the nations)
(Psalm 47)
Psalm 47, like psalms 93 & 95-99, is an enthronement psalm that celebrates the universal reign of GOD, WHO is the CREATOR of the heavens and the earth. It depicts GOD’s coming kingdom, and it also calls for all people, believers and unbelievers, to pay special homage to GOD. And just like we give standing ovations to sports figures and entertainers, this psalm says loud and clear that we should give GOD a loud, roaring standing ovation, not just for a moment, but for a lifetime.
Today, many people talk about GOD, but few ever give GOD the credit for their success and accomplishments. Successful people believe in self-effort for the most part, and in fact feel, that the more successful they are, the less they need GOD. That is because, with every measure of success, comes an equal measure of pride.
It is said that, out of a hundred people that can stand adversity, only one of that hundred can stand prosperity. A person is judged by two standards when it comes to prosperity, one is, “how we came about it”, and two, “how we use it”. The question then comes to this, “Will we use it as if we have undisputed possession of it”, or, “Will we remember that we hold it in stewardship to GOD”?
Here in this passage of worship, the psalmist calls on all the nations of the world to not only give homage to GOD, but to do so, joyfully and willingly. GOD is the king over all the earth, not just parts of the earth. He subdued the nations with HIS awesome power, and then HE chose a “promised land” for HIS people to abide in as an inheritance.
The prophetic statements of verses 7-9 are expressions that are not at all uncommon to the Psalms. They speak of an eschatological certainty that every knee will bow, and that every tongue, believer and unbeliever, will eventually confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD over all kings and kingdoms. And it gives a special confidence to current believers, that the truths of this psalm will be fulfilled in the process of time.
Psalm 47, along with 46 & 48 provide us with three consecutive poetic expressions that well emphasize the role that GOD has as our king and protector. For instance, the theme of Psalm 46 is that GOD’s people can have a sense of peace when trouble looms all about, “GOD is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
The focal point here in Psalm 47 is on the importance of celebrating GOD’s benevolence and goodness to those who believe, and are committed to HIM. And finally, in Psalm 48, we see a reminder of how GOD extends HIS protection to the people, and, to the community that HE calls, HIS OWN, “GOD is in her citadels; HE has shown HIMSELF to be her fortress” (Psalm 48:3).
Psalm 47 is one of the scriptures that are included in the Jewish celebrations of “Rosh Hashanah”, the Jewish New Year. It is also known as the “Feast of Trumpets”, which finds its origins in the book of Leviticus chapter 23, verses 23-25. It is observed in our month of September.
The psalmist envisions a time when the LORD will ascend to HIS throne, perhaps on the temple mount in Jerusalem, to begin HIS millennial reign here on earth, following the “Day of the LORD”. Our response, as a believing people, should be one of adoration and praise, accompanied by the blowing of trumpets, as we express our honor and reverence for JESUS, the ONE WHO came and saved us from ourselves, by way of HIS vicarious sacrifice.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 24, 2010
____________________________________________
GOD RULES OVER THE NATIONS
(The Most High GOD reigns over all the nations)
(Psalm 47)
Psalm 47, like psalms 93 & 95-99, is an enthronement psalm that celebrates the universal reign of GOD, WHO is the CREATOR of the heavens and the earth. It depicts GOD’s coming kingdom, and it also calls for all people, believers and unbelievers, to pay special homage to GOD. And just like we give standing ovations to sports figures and entertainers, this psalm says loud and clear that we should give GOD a loud, roaring standing ovation, not just for a moment, but for a lifetime.
Today, many people talk about GOD, but few ever give GOD the credit for their success and accomplishments. Successful people believe in self-effort for the most part, and in fact feel, that the more successful they are, the less they need GOD. That is because, with every measure of success, comes an equal measure of pride.
It is said that, out of a hundred people that can stand adversity, only one of that hundred can stand prosperity. A person is judged by two standards when it comes to prosperity, one is, “how we came about it”, and two, “how we use it”. The question then comes to this, “Will we use it as if we have undisputed possession of it”, or, “Will we remember that we hold it in stewardship to GOD”?
Here in this passage of worship, the psalmist calls on all the nations of the world to not only give homage to GOD, but to do so, joyfully and willingly. GOD is the king over all the earth, not just parts of the earth. He subdued the nations with HIS awesome power, and then HE chose a “promised land” for HIS people to abide in as an inheritance.
The prophetic statements of verses 7-9 are expressions that are not at all uncommon to the Psalms. They speak of an eschatological certainty that every knee will bow, and that every tongue, believer and unbeliever, will eventually confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD over all kings and kingdoms. And it gives a special confidence to current believers, that the truths of this psalm will be fulfilled in the process of time.
Psalm 47, along with 46 & 48 provide us with three consecutive poetic expressions that well emphasize the role that GOD has as our king and protector. For instance, the theme of Psalm 46 is that GOD’s people can have a sense of peace when trouble looms all about, “GOD is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
The focal point here in Psalm 47 is on the importance of celebrating GOD’s benevolence and goodness to those who believe, and are committed to HIM. And finally, in Psalm 48, we see a reminder of how GOD extends HIS protection to the people, and, to the community that HE calls, HIS OWN, “GOD is in her citadels; HE has shown HIMSELF to be her fortress” (Psalm 48:3).
Psalm 47 is one of the scriptures that are included in the Jewish celebrations of “Rosh Hashanah”, the Jewish New Year. It is also known as the “Feast of Trumpets”, which finds its origins in the book of Leviticus chapter 23, verses 23-25. It is observed in our month of September.
The psalmist envisions a time when the LORD will ascend to HIS throne, perhaps on the temple mount in Jerusalem, to begin HIS millennial reign here on earth, following the “Day of the LORD”. Our response, as a believing people, should be one of adoration and praise, accompanied by the blowing of trumpets, as we express our honor and reverence for JESUS, the ONE WHO came and saved us from ourselves, by way of HIS vicarious sacrifice.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, October 15, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 17, 2010
____________________________________________
GOD IS MY REFUGE
(GOD is our safe place)
(Psalm 46)
In Psalm 46, a psalm of the descendants of Korah, the psalmist praises GOD for HIS current help and presence, and, for HIS future peace, which is yet to be established. He presents GOD as the only sure defense and safe haven that believers have to protect us in the times of trouble, which surely awaits us, just around the next bend of our Christian walk.
As human beings, we often look for relief from our troubles through such things as drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, overeating, and various other spiritually and physically unhealthy means. Here the psalmist reminds us that GOD is our continuing refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. When we trust in GOD, and believe GOD, we need not fear anything in man or nature.
In the Hebrew, the word used for “refuge” here in verse 1, is “machceh” (makh-seh), and it is “shelter from danger, or, “a place of hope and trust”. We can find safety and courage, by trusting in GOD, WHO is ever present to help us, and GOD is big enough to deliver us from any perils, real or imagined. There is no trouble or problem that we can have that is larger than our CREATOR, GOD, WHO is the great problem solver.
Surrounding one’s self with GOD, and relying on HIS strength, is a wise thing to do. When GOD is our shield of protection, safeness becomes a given. The most dangerous of places in the world are safe for the person who has petitioned GOD to walk the beat. GOD is able to constantly keep watch for us twenty four hours a day, and HIS army of angels are stronger than any army here on earth.
Against the backdrop of national and natural chaos, Psalm 46 expresses deep confidence in the provision and protection of GOD. It may have well been written as a result of the gloomy situation that King Hezekiah and Jerusalem found themselves in, while under siege from King Sennacherib and the Assyrian Army (2 Kings 19). There we see GOD ultimately miraculously delivering Jerusalem from the hands of the Assyrians by slaying a huge portion of the Assyrian army (185,000), and causing the rest to retreat back into their own land. It has been rightly said that if we have a healthy, holy, biblical fear and reverence for GOD, we don’t need to waste our energies fearing anything else.
In verse 1 the psalmist uses three words to depict the protection that GOD provides for those who believe on HIM, they are “refuge”, “strength”, and “help”. The Hebrew word for “refuge” depicts the basic ideology of shelter, say, for example, using the anthropomorphism, “finding shelter under the wings of GOD, both physically and spiritually, as a baby eaglet would find shelter under the wings of its mother”.
The physical dangers that we face daily are certainly serious undertakings, however, the spiritual dangers that we face can be much more devastating for us, particularly in the long run. In order for us to overcome the world as CHRIST did, we are going to need GOD’s help and strength, as well as HIS refuge. The storms of life are many, but the word of GOD gives this promise to those who believe on HIM and endure the sufferings of the world to the end. It is this Old Testament promise that is given to us by GOD, through HIS prophet Isaiah, and it states, “GOD will keep in perfect peace, the mind that stays on HIM, because it trusts HIM” (Isaiah 26:3). Amen.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 17, 2010
____________________________________________
GOD IS MY REFUGE
(GOD is our safe place)
(Psalm 46)
In Psalm 46, a psalm of the descendants of Korah, the psalmist praises GOD for HIS current help and presence, and, for HIS future peace, which is yet to be established. He presents GOD as the only sure defense and safe haven that believers have to protect us in the times of trouble, which surely awaits us, just around the next bend of our Christian walk.
As human beings, we often look for relief from our troubles through such things as drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, overeating, and various other spiritually and physically unhealthy means. Here the psalmist reminds us that GOD is our continuing refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. When we trust in GOD, and believe GOD, we need not fear anything in man or nature.
In the Hebrew, the word used for “refuge” here in verse 1, is “machceh” (makh-seh), and it is “shelter from danger, or, “a place of hope and trust”. We can find safety and courage, by trusting in GOD, WHO is ever present to help us, and GOD is big enough to deliver us from any perils, real or imagined. There is no trouble or problem that we can have that is larger than our CREATOR, GOD, WHO is the great problem solver.
Surrounding one’s self with GOD, and relying on HIS strength, is a wise thing to do. When GOD is our shield of protection, safeness becomes a given. The most dangerous of places in the world are safe for the person who has petitioned GOD to walk the beat. GOD is able to constantly keep watch for us twenty four hours a day, and HIS army of angels are stronger than any army here on earth.
Against the backdrop of national and natural chaos, Psalm 46 expresses deep confidence in the provision and protection of GOD. It may have well been written as a result of the gloomy situation that King Hezekiah and Jerusalem found themselves in, while under siege from King Sennacherib and the Assyrian Army (2 Kings 19). There we see GOD ultimately miraculously delivering Jerusalem from the hands of the Assyrians by slaying a huge portion of the Assyrian army (185,000), and causing the rest to retreat back into their own land. It has been rightly said that if we have a healthy, holy, biblical fear and reverence for GOD, we don’t need to waste our energies fearing anything else.
In verse 1 the psalmist uses three words to depict the protection that GOD provides for those who believe on HIM, they are “refuge”, “strength”, and “help”. The Hebrew word for “refuge” depicts the basic ideology of shelter, say, for example, using the anthropomorphism, “finding shelter under the wings of GOD, both physically and spiritually, as a baby eaglet would find shelter under the wings of its mother”.
The physical dangers that we face daily are certainly serious undertakings, however, the spiritual dangers that we face can be much more devastating for us, particularly in the long run. In order for us to overcome the world as CHRIST did, we are going to need GOD’s help and strength, as well as HIS refuge. The storms of life are many, but the word of GOD gives this promise to those who believe on HIM and endure the sufferings of the world to the end. It is this Old Testament promise that is given to us by GOD, through HIS prophet Isaiah, and it states, “GOD will keep in perfect peace, the mind that stays on HIM, because it trusts HIM” (Isaiah 26:3). Amen.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, October 8, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 10, 2010
____________________________________________
GOD’S CREATION AND LAW SUSTAINS US
(GOD’s natural & specific revelations prompt self-examination)
(Psalms 19)
The Book of Psalms contains 150 lyric poems that deeply enrich our understanding of our own humanity, and, our own personal relationship with the GOD WHO created us. The wonderful messages of this timeless book exposes how deeply GOD cares about the sinful circumstances of our life experiences, and how those circumstances manifest themselves in our emotional reactions to those life experiences.
In the Hebrew, the word used for “psalm” is “mismowr” (miz-more), and it is simply a poem that has been set to music. From the beginning this beautiful collection of poetry has played an important role in worship, and during David’s reign, these psalms were regularly sang by believers while they were in Jerusalem attending the major festivals, and, during daily worship services, both private and corporate.
Revelation, is primarily “the giving and reception of information that is helpful and beneficial to one physically, spiritual, or mentally”. Man never seeks knowledge just for knowledge sake, but rather, for what that knowledge can do to make his life more worth living. It has also been GOD’s message to man, that, obedience to HIM, and life through HIM, is the only life worth living.
Psalm 19 shows how GOD, as THE CREATOR, reveals HIMSELF to us naturally, through the works of HIS hands here on earth (Vs. 1-6), and how HE, as THE LAWGIVER, reveals HIMSELF to us specifically, through HIS divine laws, morals, and principals, that HE has given us to live by (Vs. 7-11).
In verses 1-6, we see how the heavenly creation, the sun, the moon, and the stars reveal to us, the glory and power of GOD without saying a single word. They continue to speak volumes, by way of their very presence, to all mankind, all over the world, every single minute of every single day, and their message is equally intelligible to all.
In verses 7-11 the efficacious nature of GOD’s law is described by David. In other words, David lends a description of how obedience to GOD’s law produces a desirable effect in the lives of those who choose to follow it. GOD wants us, as believers, to be able to prove to the world of lost humanity through our behavior, that Christianity really does produce the best men and women.
In the biblical Hebrew, the word used for “law” is “torah”, and it stands for all written revelation of GOD to man. However, in this passage, David celebrates the specific statutes, precepts, commands, and ordinances that instruct us in living GODly lives.
And finally, in verses 12-14 we see a self examination by David. Only through a careful, constant study of GOD’s word, and a faithful keeping of GOD’s law, with help from the HOLY SPIRIT, can we keep away from sin. We can’t possibly know all of the sin that lurks in the human heart, but GOD does. HE can cleanse us from those hidden sins, and, HE can also keep us from deliberate sins, while, at one and the same time, keeping them from controlling us.
It is not until a person falls in love with goodness, that wrong things, will no longer fascinate, and have power over us. A right relationship with GOD is a Christian’s greatest asset. The person who loses their heart to the things of this world is the person most vulnerable to satan.
The end of all things is near, for each of us, personally. For, that is the warning in the messages that the ancient prophets, and New Testament writers and thinkers all leave us with. And those warnings are as valid today as they ever were, and so, the fact that we Christians cast everything over to GOD does not give us a right to sit back and do nothing. We still must get to know GOD as well as we can, so that we can defend the Gospel of CHRIST, and be able to perform successfully, the one job that CHRIST JESUS has given us to do, and that is, to personally and collectively, spread the good news of the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the world. And our faith must be like a solid rock, that resists the temptations of satan, and causes him to retreat, through our power in CHRIST JESUS our LORD (Matthew 28:19-20).
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 10, 2010
____________________________________________
GOD’S CREATION AND LAW SUSTAINS US
(GOD’s natural & specific revelations prompt self-examination)
(Psalms 19)
The Book of Psalms contains 150 lyric poems that deeply enrich our understanding of our own humanity, and, our own personal relationship with the GOD WHO created us. The wonderful messages of this timeless book exposes how deeply GOD cares about the sinful circumstances of our life experiences, and how those circumstances manifest themselves in our emotional reactions to those life experiences.
In the Hebrew, the word used for “psalm” is “mismowr” (miz-more), and it is simply a poem that has been set to music. From the beginning this beautiful collection of poetry has played an important role in worship, and during David’s reign, these psalms were regularly sang by believers while they were in Jerusalem attending the major festivals, and, during daily worship services, both private and corporate.
Revelation, is primarily “the giving and reception of information that is helpful and beneficial to one physically, spiritual, or mentally”. Man never seeks knowledge just for knowledge sake, but rather, for what that knowledge can do to make his life more worth living. It has also been GOD’s message to man, that, obedience to HIM, and life through HIM, is the only life worth living.
Psalm 19 shows how GOD, as THE CREATOR, reveals HIMSELF to us naturally, through the works of HIS hands here on earth (Vs. 1-6), and how HE, as THE LAWGIVER, reveals HIMSELF to us specifically, through HIS divine laws, morals, and principals, that HE has given us to live by (Vs. 7-11).
In verses 1-6, we see how the heavenly creation, the sun, the moon, and the stars reveal to us, the glory and power of GOD without saying a single word. They continue to speak volumes, by way of their very presence, to all mankind, all over the world, every single minute of every single day, and their message is equally intelligible to all.
In verses 7-11 the efficacious nature of GOD’s law is described by David. In other words, David lends a description of how obedience to GOD’s law produces a desirable effect in the lives of those who choose to follow it. GOD wants us, as believers, to be able to prove to the world of lost humanity through our behavior, that Christianity really does produce the best men and women.
In the biblical Hebrew, the word used for “law” is “torah”, and it stands for all written revelation of GOD to man. However, in this passage, David celebrates the specific statutes, precepts, commands, and ordinances that instruct us in living GODly lives.
And finally, in verses 12-14 we see a self examination by David. Only through a careful, constant study of GOD’s word, and a faithful keeping of GOD’s law, with help from the HOLY SPIRIT, can we keep away from sin. We can’t possibly know all of the sin that lurks in the human heart, but GOD does. HE can cleanse us from those hidden sins, and, HE can also keep us from deliberate sins, while, at one and the same time, keeping them from controlling us.
It is not until a person falls in love with goodness, that wrong things, will no longer fascinate, and have power over us. A right relationship with GOD is a Christian’s greatest asset. The person who loses their heart to the things of this world is the person most vulnerable to satan.
The end of all things is near, for each of us, personally. For, that is the warning in the messages that the ancient prophets, and New Testament writers and thinkers all leave us with. And those warnings are as valid today as they ever were, and so, the fact that we Christians cast everything over to GOD does not give us a right to sit back and do nothing. We still must get to know GOD as well as we can, so that we can defend the Gospel of CHRIST, and be able to perform successfully, the one job that CHRIST JESUS has given us to do, and that is, to personally and collectively, spread the good news of the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the world. And our faith must be like a solid rock, that resists the temptations of satan, and causes him to retreat, through our power in CHRIST JESUS our LORD (Matthew 28:19-20).
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, October 1, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 3, 2010
____________________________________________
CARING FOR THE CREATIONS OF GOD
(GOD entrusts us with HIS creation)
(Psalm 8 & Genesis 1:26-2:25)
King David wrote in the 8th Psalm that, “When I look at the night sky and see the work of YOUR fingers, the moon and the stars that YOU have set in place, what are mortals that YOU should think of us, mere humans that YOU should care for us? For YOU made us only a little lower than angels, and YOU crowned us with glory and honor. YOU put us in charge of everything YOU made, giving us authority over all things, the sheep and the cattle and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents” (NLT).
The, life of CHRIST, is the embodiment of the statement, “We must live like GOD, in order to reveal GOD, here on this earth”. In Genesis chapter 1, we learn how, from day one, GOD uses “divisions” and “distinctions” in order to fulfill HIS divine purpose.
For example, on day one, GOD separated the “light” from the “darkness”. On day two, HE separated the “atmospheric waters” of the heavens above, from the “terrestrial waters” of the earth beneath. On the third day, GOD separated the “land” from the “seas”. On the fourth day, GOD further distinguished the night from the day, by appointing the sun to preside over the daylight hours, and the moon and stars to govern the night. On the fifth day, GOD distinguished between the animal life HE created for the water (fish), and the animal life HE created for the air (birds). And finally, on the sixth day, we see GOD making HIS greatest distinction of all. On this day, GOD even makes a distinction in how HE created, or, in HIS creation method.
Here we see that, after GOD had created, all manner of animal livestock and wildlife that were to dwell on dry land, in dramatic fashion, HE changed HIS creation method when HE created man. Instead of speaking man into existence, or forming him from the dust and leaving him without spirit, as HE had done with all of HIS other animal creation, HE decided that HE would fashion man from the dust of the earth, in HIS OWN image, and then breathe into him, HIS breath, or spirit of life, embodying him with HIS OWN “Communicable Attributes”. Those attributes include Life, Personality, Wisdom, Love, Justice, Truth, and Holiness.
These same attributes provide us with the spiritual capacity we need, in order for us to fellowship with, and worship GOD. They are also the qualities we needed in order for us to reflect HIS image to others the way that the coming CHRIST would do. And they also equip us with the capacity to care for ourselves and GOD’s other creation, similarly to the way GOD cares for us.
GOD blessed us and instructed us to multiply ourselves, through the miracle of the wonderful reproductive system that HE has also provided us with, and, we were to subdue all of HIS other creation, and maintain the responsibility of dominion over it (Genesis 1:26-28).
GOD then set up all of HIS human and animal creation with an almost unlimited vegetarian diet (vs. 29-30), with only one distinction, or restriction, they could not eat of “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”. All of these things were in place, by the climax of the sixth day of our LORD’s creative works.
In Genesis chapter 2, the author of GOD, Moses, tells us that, on the seventh day, GOD rested, or paused from HIS work, and HE distinguished and separated that day from all the other days, and, declared it holy (vs. 1-3). Man is forbidden by GOD from doing any work on that day, and also is forbidden from compelling his children, employees, or even his animals to work seven days (Exodus 20:8-11).
After Moses gives us an in-depth, detailed look at the creation of mankind (vs. 4-7), he then tells how GOD carefully shaped the “Garden of Eden” so that Adam and Eve would be able to use all of those communicable attributes that HE had given them, to take care of their place of residence, here on earth. They were to come in handy as they explored and discovered their love for beauty, their delight in meaningful work, their moral responsibility, and even their passion for invention (vs. 8-20).
When GOD fashioned beautiful Eve from the rib of Adam (the world’s first surgery), it let man know that he and woman would always share a common identity. They would always be equals sharing in GOD’s likeness and image, and, as husband and wife, they should always be distinct, and yet inseparable. They share an equal responsibility in caring for each other, and, for all of GOD’s creation.
We, as human beings, are to worship only GOD, love people, and use things. Those three things must always be kept in that order. And we, as men and women, must never lose sight of the fact that our commonalities, the divisions and distinctions of our physical forms and human functions, our earthly roles, and, our spiritual responsibilities of fellowship with GOD, are all invaluable gifts and privileges, that have only been given to us as GOD’s special creation, in order that we may have dominion over the works of HIS hands, here on earth.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 3, 2010
____________________________________________
CARING FOR THE CREATIONS OF GOD
(GOD entrusts us with HIS creation)
(Psalm 8 & Genesis 1:26-2:25)
King David wrote in the 8th Psalm that, “When I look at the night sky and see the work of YOUR fingers, the moon and the stars that YOU have set in place, what are mortals that YOU should think of us, mere humans that YOU should care for us? For YOU made us only a little lower than angels, and YOU crowned us with glory and honor. YOU put us in charge of everything YOU made, giving us authority over all things, the sheep and the cattle and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents” (NLT).
The, life of CHRIST, is the embodiment of the statement, “We must live like GOD, in order to reveal GOD, here on this earth”. In Genesis chapter 1, we learn how, from day one, GOD uses “divisions” and “distinctions” in order to fulfill HIS divine purpose.
For example, on day one, GOD separated the “light” from the “darkness”. On day two, HE separated the “atmospheric waters” of the heavens above, from the “terrestrial waters” of the earth beneath. On the third day, GOD separated the “land” from the “seas”. On the fourth day, GOD further distinguished the night from the day, by appointing the sun to preside over the daylight hours, and the moon and stars to govern the night. On the fifth day, GOD distinguished between the animal life HE created for the water (fish), and the animal life HE created for the air (birds). And finally, on the sixth day, we see GOD making HIS greatest distinction of all. On this day, GOD even makes a distinction in how HE created, or, in HIS creation method.
Here we see that, after GOD had created, all manner of animal livestock and wildlife that were to dwell on dry land, in dramatic fashion, HE changed HIS creation method when HE created man. Instead of speaking man into existence, or forming him from the dust and leaving him without spirit, as HE had done with all of HIS other animal creation, HE decided that HE would fashion man from the dust of the earth, in HIS OWN image, and then breathe into him, HIS breath, or spirit of life, embodying him with HIS OWN “Communicable Attributes”. Those attributes include Life, Personality, Wisdom, Love, Justice, Truth, and Holiness.
These same attributes provide us with the spiritual capacity we need, in order for us to fellowship with, and worship GOD. They are also the qualities we needed in order for us to reflect HIS image to others the way that the coming CHRIST would do. And they also equip us with the capacity to care for ourselves and GOD’s other creation, similarly to the way GOD cares for us.
GOD blessed us and instructed us to multiply ourselves, through the miracle of the wonderful reproductive system that HE has also provided us with, and, we were to subdue all of HIS other creation, and maintain the responsibility of dominion over it (Genesis 1:26-28).
GOD then set up all of HIS human and animal creation with an almost unlimited vegetarian diet (vs. 29-30), with only one distinction, or restriction, they could not eat of “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”. All of these things were in place, by the climax of the sixth day of our LORD’s creative works.
In Genesis chapter 2, the author of GOD, Moses, tells us that, on the seventh day, GOD rested, or paused from HIS work, and HE distinguished and separated that day from all the other days, and, declared it holy (vs. 1-3). Man is forbidden by GOD from doing any work on that day, and also is forbidden from compelling his children, employees, or even his animals to work seven days (Exodus 20:8-11).
After Moses gives us an in-depth, detailed look at the creation of mankind (vs. 4-7), he then tells how GOD carefully shaped the “Garden of Eden” so that Adam and Eve would be able to use all of those communicable attributes that HE had given them, to take care of their place of residence, here on earth. They were to come in handy as they explored and discovered their love for beauty, their delight in meaningful work, their moral responsibility, and even their passion for invention (vs. 8-20).
When GOD fashioned beautiful Eve from the rib of Adam (the world’s first surgery), it let man know that he and woman would always share a common identity. They would always be equals sharing in GOD’s likeness and image, and, as husband and wife, they should always be distinct, and yet inseparable. They share an equal responsibility in caring for each other, and, for all of GOD’s creation.
We, as human beings, are to worship only GOD, love people, and use things. Those three things must always be kept in that order. And we, as men and women, must never lose sight of the fact that our commonalities, the divisions and distinctions of our physical forms and human functions, our earthly roles, and, our spiritual responsibilities of fellowship with GOD, are all invaluable gifts and privileges, that have only been given to us as GOD’s special creation, in order that we may have dominion over the works of HIS hands, here on earth.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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