DAY 205- BIG PICTURE IN A YEAR - THE LAND
Reading: Genesis 2:8-25; Romans 8: 20-22
Our origins are very deeply rooted in the land. We first spy the theme of land very early on in the Bible. God’s people (Adam and Eve) were placed in Eden, God’s place, where they lived under God’s rule, in accordance with the instructions they were given on what they could eat and what they should do. At that time the earth was ‘very good’ (Genesis 1:31), perfect in fact and without sin, disease or death. Man was given dominion over the land, including all creatures on it, which is seen in Adam naming all the creatures, and had the role of tending and caring for it. Life in the land was a blessing and man walked there, with God, every day.
Looking forwards we see that Genesis and Revelation are mirror images of each other and the new heavens and new earth are symbolised in the book of Revelation as a new Eden, without any curse on the land. Between the two Edens, however, it’s a very different story. Romans 8:20-22 speaks of creation groaning and longing to be liberated from its bondage to corruption.
“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now” (Romans 8:20-22).
The beginning in Eden represents how God planned life in the land and foreshadows how it will be in the new heavens and new earth.
Prayer:
Dear Father, thank You for placing us in a beautiful world and for giving us dominion over the works of Your hands. We look forward to the day when creation is restored to perfection when we can again walk with You and speak face to face. Amen
For the family
Explain
Explain this study in an age-appropriate way, focusing on the fact that God made a very special place, a wonderful land, for His people to live in and from.
Engage
Kids of all ages will enjoy watching this video – just click on the link below but only allow them to watch from the beginning to 14:55. The rest they can watch tomorrow.
Very young kids
They’ll enjoy doing drawings of what they imagine Eden was like, or copying a picture of Eden out of a Children’s Bible