Day 80

Of Creation

Chapter 4, Paragraph 3.

“...which whilst they kept, they were happy in their Communion with God, and had dominion over the Creatures.“

Scripture Lookup

Genesis 1:26, 28.

Reflection

What was the best thing about the garden of Eden before the Fall?

If you’re like most people, the focus is on the lack of hardship: no sickness, no sorrow, no snow. There was eternal sunshine, good food, amiable animals.  Most probably think of Eden like they do an ideal vacation.

Unlike a vacation, Adam was given instruction to work. There was no laying about in the garden! Much of the work in Eden was to tend to the garden and the creatures. While our work is affected by the Fall, we are not called to idleness, and benefit from useful activity.

Adam and Eve were also to care for the animals. Not because they were on equal footing with them as some believe today, but because they had dominion over them. Humans still have a responsibility to tend the earth and animals wisely. Needless cruelty to animals and flagrant waste show disrespect for our role as stewards.

Despite all the bliss of the material comforts of creation in its initial state, that was not the best thing about the garden of Eden. The best thing was that Adam and Eve had communion with God. Many rush after an idyllic vacation, filling their senses with material beauty. While God has created wondrous things for us to enjoy, so many ignore the One this beautiful creation declares. True happiness is only obtained when you have communion with God. Everything else is of little worth without Him.

Questions to Consider

• When thinking about Eden, what attracts you more, the delights of creation or the closeness with the Creator ?