Are You in Agreement?

O.T. 13. "Are You in Agreement?"
March 28, 2013
Genesis 2-Part 3
The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.  Genesis 2:15 NIV

LET IT GLOW

I remember how important it seemed to share in the "firsts" of our children's lives. We often took pictures or recorded the event so we could look back on the experience and talk about it. There was the first word, first step, first birthday, first haircut, first tricycle/bicycle, first day of school, first report card, first A/F, first teacher, first game, first date, first car, first job, first love. Did those events pop into your mind like they did mine?
As I mentioned on the last lesson, there were several "firsts" found in Genesis 2:

• the first man, Adam (2:7)
• the first garden, home (2:8-14)
• the first charge or covenant (2:15-17)
• the first woman, Eve (2:18-25)

We have previously discussed the first two, now let's see what The Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible has to say  about the first covenant, charge, in Genesis. A covenant  is a specific agreement between two or more persons. There are three types of covenants seen in the Bible:

1. an agreement between two or more persons who freely agree to the terms of the contract or covenant (Gen. 21:32);
2. an agreement imposed by a superior party demanding obedience from the weaker party (Gen. 2:16-17, Ezk. 17:13-14);
3. an unconditional agreement or promise-what might be called a covenant of mercy or grace-whereby God obligates Himself to help or to reconcile sinful man (Gen. 3:15, Deut. 7:6-8).

The word covenant is used 253 times in the Old Testament and 20 times in the New Testament. Many of these are used in reference to the Ark of the Covenant that sat in the Holy of Holies.

Scripture discusses at least nine covenants or promises and charges. The first is the covenant of Eden whereby God meets man's most basic needs (Gen. 2:15-17). Adam had all the fruit he could eat at his disposal in the Garden. He was free to eat from all the trees except for two. He had the restriction of not eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil and the tree of life. When he did, man would die, which was a warning from God. We aren't told how much time elapsed before Eve was created to help Adam. I wonder if he became overwhelmed with the tasks of taking care of the shrubs, orchards, growth, in the Garden and naming and caring for the animals.

How faithful am I in doing the tasks God has for me? Do I do my best and honor Him? Are we in agreement or disagreement with God?


LET IT GROW

Here was are in the midst of a perfect creation, watching a perfect man obeying his Creator. What were some of the purposes of man? I found some words ending with -ship to help answer that question:

1. kinship-to be like God and sonship (1:26);
2. workmanship-to rule, have dominion and authority over God's creation (1:28);
3. worship of only God(2:3);
4. fellowship and enjoyment (2:8);
5. partnership and service (2:15);
6. relationship, obedience and loyalty (2:16-17);
7. companionship with another (2:18-25).

What kind of ship do I live in? How about you?

LET IT GO

Thank Jesus for His provisions.

Allow God to be first in my life, giving Him first place.

Keep worship, fellowship, and relationship with God of foremost importance.

Pray and study His Word the first thing of my day.

Be faithful in what He has called me to do and be.