Monday, June 9, 2008

Genesis 2 - Alone

When I read chapter 2 in Genesis, I was first struck by the intimacy of God breathing the breath of life into Adam. It was incredibly tender, a reflection of how much we matter. While the magnificence of the ocean and the brilliance of light was spoken into existence, only we were shared life in such a personal way.


But other writers, better writers, have covered the gift of life and what breath really symbolizes. So instead, I want to spend a few seconds on loneliness. Have you ever noticed that the very second thing God says about Adam is "It is not good for man to be alone." The very first is a warning that death will result if he eats from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The second statement God makes is about being alone.


Sometimes, in this world, we get intoxicated by the concept of independance. We see "going it alone" as a sign of strength, a testament to our character. It's just me against the world, if I can make it there, I'll make it, anywhere.


But God thought loneliness was so important he mentioned it second. Maybe eating the apple wasn't the only way you could die. Maybe being alone is a different kind of death. Not that everyone has to be married. Not at all. I think there are lots of people God calls to remain single. But I think He always wants us in relationship. Whether that's in the context of marriage or a friendship with a neighbor or a brother.


The last thing I'll say is that it's kind of funny to me that in essence, God and Adam auditioned all the animals American Idol style to see if they could find a suitable helper for Adam. Verse 20 says, "But for Adam no suitable helper was found." What if kangaroos had been suitable? Am I the only one that thinks about things like that? What if, at the end of the day, God said, "You know what Adam, the kangaroo has a helpful pocket, this strong tail and can reach high places with his incredible ups. Let's make him your helper."


I'm weird for thinking that, right?

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

lol, yeah, i actually have entertained that thought a couple times, but i thought it was too weird of a thought, so i stopped that train of thought before it reached, well, perversity. :)

Stan McConnell said...

The great thing with having a kangaroo helper would be having a handy pocket to put things in whenever you're together.

JayGee said...

another great posting.

I'm new to your blogs but I am really blessed by your postings. Thank God for people like you who was blessed with such gift of blending ordinary ideas into extra ordinary comprehensions...through talents like you God will reach the entire world..

God bless you brother...

Mev Dominee said...

Jon

I am going to comment here although this will be somewhat out of context. I have found your blogs (all 3) by accident(design?) and will need to sit down and do some hard reading to get up to speed , but I thought you may appreciate me posting and saying thank you for your blogs.

I like your writing style and appreciate your insight.

I have linked your blogs from my blog as well.

keep it up. and may God bless you.

Hanno

Anonymous said...

I can see it...y'know, dog, I was listening to that bluebird sing. It was a good song for you, but it got kind of pitchy towards the end there. You know what I mean, dog. I just don't think your gonna cut it.

Unknown said...

you're a little weird for thinking that, but it's entertaining :D thanks for these devotionals - i really enjoy reading them and they're encouraging and challenging so far. *high five*

Anonymous said...

not the kangaroo, but i did wonder about that

katdish said...

Speaking as a "helper", I'm glad the kangaroo idea was nixed, because how would you ever find a flattering pair of jeans? And don't even get me started on the shoes...

BraggFam said...

Um, always making me think.

Deb said...

Jon,

A timely post for me as I work on learning to ask for and receive help while I struggle w/ a body that has changed and can no longer handle "going it alone".

Thanks for yet more confirmation that I am not being a burden on my family.

Blessings,
Deb

Vinton J Bayne said...

Very nice subject.
I think loneliness is a sort of death.


and no, I've never thought of that.
But I don't think it makes you weird.
I think it's genius and hilarious.
hehe

Unknown said...

I'm new to your blogs, but I must say I love them! You are such a great writer with great insight. Currently I'm going back to catch myself up on it all.

As to your last point however, I've had this discussion with someone before. It's almost as if God was teasing Adam. Like putting all these animals before him. And God's keeping Eve like in His back pocket. Thus the amazing line Adam makes when he finally sees Eve "Ah, flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone" Saying like, ah she's perfect for me.
Just thought I'd share