1-BSG-2A: WORSHIP GUIDE.
Genesis 2: Worship Guide/ 1-BSG-2A, (Genesis 2:1-25)/ Theme: The first Two Institutions/ Hymn: O worship the King (SDAH 83).Exploration: Marriage, a covenant relationship (Pr. 2:16-17; Eze 16:8; Mal 2:14; Mt 19:6; Eph. 5:25-33; Rev. 19:6-9; 21:2). The Sabbath, a sign between God and His people (Ezek. 20:12; Ex. 31:13; Isa. 66:23; Rev. 14:12).
Reflection: “Genesis 1 presents a cosmic view of creation in broad, sweeping images—dividing heaven from earth, sea from sky, land from sea, and so on. Genesis 2 presents an earthly view of creation with the specific focus on the creation of humankind and their immediate environment. We could also make the distinction that Gen 1 focuses on God, while Gen 2 focuses on people. In theological terms, we could describe Gen 1 as emphasizing God’s transcendence (His quality of being separate and distinct from His creation) whereas Gen 2 emphasizes God’s immanence (His quality of being present and involved with His creation).” –[Douglas Mangum, Miles Custis, and Wendy Widder, Genesis 1–11, Lexham Research Commentaries, (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), Ge 2:4–25].
Devotional Implication: There are many themes here, but for the purpose of our ‘Worship Hour’ this morning, let us focus our attention on two institutions: Marriage and the Sabbath are great institutions that God made from the garden of Eden yet this two are greatly attacked by enemies of God. God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16) and He desires that couples “cleave” (stick together) for the rest of their lives, reflecting His love and character, hence made in His image (Gen 1:26, 27). In marriage, domestic violence is on the rise, both from husbands and wives. The antidote for a happy marriage/ home is putting Christ first in all things. On the other hand, the devils is waging war against the Sabbath by making people to rationalize that it doesn’t really matter which day you worship, which is in complete disobedience to “Thus says the Lord.” The instruction is clear: The Lord finished His work on the sixth day and saw that it was “very good,” then He “rested” on the Seventh Day, not from being tired; but in order to set an example for us all to follow! The question is, are we following God’s example? Are we obeying the Creator God? Or are we following man made commands/ traditions? (cf. Rev. 14:6-7; Ex. 20:8-11). By the way, in Bible prophecy we know that “a little horn” power of Daniel 7, would seek to “change the times and Laws” that had ‘already been set’ by Jehovah God (Dan. 7:25). The Sabbath truth is severely attacked by Satan and his surrogates, among other things, because it is the SEAL of the Living God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Remember, though the Bible calls Satan the “god of this world” (2 Cor. 2:4); he never created anything! The devil is a created being, just like us. Don’t let him fool you to obey him, lest you share in his fate, that is, his judgment, in the Lake of fire (for His disobedience of God’s Law, Rev. 20:1-3; 21:8). May the LORD help us to obey Him in all things, including our Marriages, and the Sabbath commandment.
The Gospel’s Voice: This section is written as if God were speaking directly to you—because He does. What does the LORD say to me this morning? My son, you are “fearfully and wonderfully made!” (Ps. 139:14). I made you in My image and likeness (Gen 1:26-27), and for My own glory (Isa. 43:7). I created you with the power and freedom to think and choose: you can choose between right and wrong. The most enduring and useful application of your brain is the wisdom of accepting the Lord Jesus as Lord and Saviour, that includes obeying My Commandments, including the Sabbath (Ex. 20:8-11, Rev. 14:6-7). On this day, I am inviting you to remember where you came from, to repent and be saved. Would you?
My Desire: By God’s grace, I want to thank God for – 1. the power (freedom) of choice/ 2. My Eve (life partner)/ 3. The gift of the Sabbath/ 4. I want to serve God by being a faithful steward: working and taking care of the garden He has given me/ 5. I want to choose life with God: to love, obey, worship, and fellowship with Him.
Have A Blessed Day: “Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them.” (Ezekiel 20:12, NKJV)
