Creation

Thu, Oct 22, 2020

It was a white, two-piece set. One piece for the baby’s room and the other would be with me wherever in the house I would be. It was supposed to give me the comfort that my baby was peacefully asleep and alert me the moment they woke up so I could drop everything and respond to their cry. I remember how eagerly I waited for the baby monitor to arrive – imported, from the UK no less, through a friend of a friend.

Sometimes in the count down to the expected due date of our first bundle of joy, I would freak out in fear that the baby would arrive before this all-important gadget, thankfully it arrived before the baby. By this time the white baby cot was in place with a bright mobile hanged above it because the books said it’s important for visual stimulation and brain development. I had bought Avent baby bottles and the sterilising gear and a playpen – adjustable to different levels to keep up with baby’s growth. The little vests, rompers, socks were all in place as were the diapers, wet wipes, baby soaps, and oils after doing my due diligence on the best brands.

We did not take any chances with even the littlest item and I would scan through my precious list checking off the items as we bought them; nail clippers – check, washbasin – check … check, check, check. Nothing but the best for this highly awaited child … our beloved firstborn.

Fast forward to now. It seems like in no time that child is rolling their eyes at me because, I, the mother has made a strange suggestion. They answer back because they have an opinion and even walking off as you speak because they’ve had enough. That child thinks am too old fashioned and have nothing of worth to offer them. They claim I do not love them because if I did, I would give them everything they want to have. These days I can be sure if I show enthusiasm about an idea, a dress, or other preferences they will promptly dismiss it.

The story of creation reads something like the preparation parents make for a new baby, but in a far much grander scale. The earth starts off formless and void. Three days of creating order and separation take place; light from darkness, the sea from the sky and land from sea and vegetation is produced. Then another three days of filling; the heavens with the sun, moon and stars, the seas and the sky with fish and birds and the land with animals. Right atmosphere – check, lights and seasons – check, air to breath – check, plants and animals – check, check, check, check. When the place was ready, God created human beings in his image and likeness.

Despite the loving provision God made for human beings, it did not take long for them to think they knew better than him. One prohibition had been put in place – the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was not to be eaten from. But the tree looked beautiful, its fruit delicious, and Eve wanted the wisdom it would give her. The next thing they were shutting doors behind them, hiding when they heard God approaching and giving excuses about what they had done.

From there everything headed south. Since earliest times men have seen the earth and sky and all God made, and have known of his existence and great eternal power. Yes, they knew about him all right, but they wouldn’t admit it or worship Him or even thank him for all his daily care…claiming themselves to be wise without God, they became utter fools instead.

None of us has to look too far to see the misery brought by our rebellion and sin. We battle brokenness in our families, our bodies and society. Estranged from one another and from our maker, God has provided a way by which we can be reconciled to Him.

Just as he patiently pursued the hiding Adam and Eve, asking them the questions, “Where are you? Who told you. . .? Have you eaten . . .? What have you done?” He is patiently pursuing each of us, wanting us to acknowledge that we have sinned against him and trust in him to restore us to a right relationship with him.