Genesis

1.       First Impressions

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

 As stated in the Source View Bible in Genesis 12:3 it says that “all the families of the earth will be blesses” thus it seems fair to conclude that the author thought all people could benefit.  The book however, is assumed to be first written to the Israelite's, descendants of Jacob who live in Egypt. For them it would have been important to have the history and stories of their forefathers in written form. In Genesis 15:13 God tells Abraham that his descendants will be enslaved in a foreign land (Egypt) and this is important considering that the original readers are then slaves in Egypt. From chapter twelve onward the story is of Abraham and his family in their relationships with God and the roles they fulfill in His plan. For the Israelite's in Egypt this is an account of the generations before them. Genealogies then as mentioned in places such as Genesis 4, 5 and 11 will be valuable to these readers.

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Based on several different facts the widespread belief is that Genesis was written by Moses. One of the key things that stand out in his writing is the knowledge of specifically the Egyptian culture and beliefs. Due to the area in which Moses grew up it is understandable that he has knowledge of both the Hebrew and Egyptian cultures. He speaks of other places such as Sodom and Gomorrah however the story of Joseph is very descriptive with cultural details for example the embalming and mourning periods of the Egyptians in Genesis 50:3 or the way meals would be served in the Egyptian home in Genesis 43:32.

·         What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea”?

The book of Genesis tells of Creation, the fall and then the stories of the family through which God chooses to redeem man. Much of the book entails the history of Abraham and his family. The book repeatedly highlights the faithfulness of God throughout generations as God reaffirms His promises and covenant. In one sentence the book of Genesis can be summed up as follows: After man, the highest of God’s good creation was separated from him through sin, God chose a family through which to bless the world, he walked with them defending them and developing them in godliness.

·         What is the primary reason this book was written?

There are many reasons for the writing of Genesis however the main reason would probably be to alter the Polytheistic worldview of the Israelites in Egypt at the time. Through the generations of Israelites living in Egypt the God of their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had become lost along with the testimonies of these men. Through Genesis God reassures the people of His character and reintroduce them to the truths of who He is and what he has done.

               

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Throughout the book of Genesis we can see many different parts of Gods character. From the creation of the earth we can clearly see the intelligence and creativity of God in that which He has created. His desire to have relationship with man is evident in the Garden of Eden. God is just and protects the righteous; this is something I saw through God saving Noah and his family from the flood and Lot’s family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In later parts of Genesis the main thing that stood out to me was Gods faithfulness especially to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. What I love about Genesis is the different parts of Gods character that is revealed through the names certain characters have for him, for example “God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1), “the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13) or “God the provider” (Genesis 22:14). However, I would say that the main message of God’s character and nature that is prevalent in Genesis is that He is the all powerful, sovereign creator.

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

One of the main examples of the plan God has of sending Jesus to redeem mankind is seen in the story where God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22:2. The story of how God provides is a foreshadowing of Jesus. Genesis focus is on the lives of the patriarchs which repeatedly are told that they will be a blessing to all the people of the earth as God plans to use them to bring about His redemptive plan.

3.       Application questions

·         Personal application:

Throughout Genesis God speaks to the patriarchs and promises those things which they do not see happen in their life time as well as things which they do see but have to wait for. In my life God has promised me several things which I hold dear yet sometimes when I don’t understand, then I too laugh at that which God has promised the way Sarah did in Genesis 18:12. Not only is God faithful to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob but in Josephs life he too. Most of Joseph’s life passed before the dreams God gave him realized and he had to endure hardships where he also possibly didn't know how God was to provide. This blind trust in God is the beauty of relationship with God!  There are many challenging timeless truths throughout Genesis however the idea of pleading with God for the life of someone else as Abraham does in Genesis 18:23-32 is something which I can definitely apply in my own life. I know the importance of intercession however the big change or result it can bring about has stood out to me.

·         Point of Passion:

One thing which is very near to my heart is helping young people. A point of passion for me is to inspire, ignite and reclaim purpose in the lives of others. I specifically want to do this through education and the mentoring of adolescent girls.

Throughout Genesis there are things which apply to this, as a start Genesis is the book in which we find our purpose. In Genesis 1:26 - 2:25; 15:1-2:1 we see we are created for intimate relationship with God. From here on out the journey is simply discovering how we will live this out in day to day life. It is a pity that Genesis 1:26,27 has been so widely proclaimed that often Christians fail to recognize the power of these verses. When one takes time to sit down and think upon the fact that we are all created in the image of God it has to change your world. This simple truth has stood out to me once more in the area of Education. Every single human being has the ability to learn. We were created to be intelligent beings! In Genesis 18:18, 19 we see God entrusting the generations to Abraham to direct and teach in the ways of the Lord. One of Gods principles for education is for parents to nurture their children in the ways of God, bringing them up in His love, giving their hearts and minds to love, obey, and serve Him, and commissioning them to go teach and disciple all nations.