This is the start of a recurring series, in which we will be walking in the story of Scripture. As we slowly and reflectively walk through the story, we hope to experience scripture in a fresh way. We want to develop eyes to see the intricate work of God in creation and encounter our wonderful God as we walk with the story.
In the first week, we started at the beginning in Genesis one. Dr. John Walton helped us reflect on the theme of order and disorder. The central teaching of the creation account in Genesis is that God brings order to non-order, and the intention for this order is God’s presence. “God’s purpose for creation,” Dr. Walton shared, “is to enter and dwell in it.”
Kingdom Practices
In our time of practice, we considered where we experience disorder in our lives, how we might partner with God to bring order, and how we can practice the presence of God in this space of order. Our kingdom practice for this week is two invitations. The first is to respond to what we heard in our practice. The second invitation is to continue to walk in this passage during the week. Dr. Walton shared so many deep and meaningful insights. Which one stood out to you? As we go about our everyday lives this week, let’s continue to ponder whatever stood out. Mull it over, chew on it, meditate on it as you walk through this week.
In our second week, we continued the thread Dr. Walton began as we explored Genesis 2 and 3. We considered the choice before each of us to receive the gift of life and wisdom on God’s terms or to take it on our own terms. Are we willing to trust God or will we depend control for ourselves? The story of Adam and Eve is one in which we see ourselves, but the incredible gift is even as we rebel by taking and grasping control, God continues to care and provide for us.
Kingdom Practices
In our kingdom practices, we want to continue to walk in this passage during the week. Is there some part of the story that rings out for you? As we go about our everyday lives this week, let’s continue to ponder whatever stood out. Mull it over, chew on it, meditate on it as you walk through this week. We would also invite you to consider setting a half an hour aside this week to engage in a classic Ignatian prayer, The Meditation on Two Standards. This particular guided meditation was a partnership with Father Michael Sparough and Aaron Niequist.
In our third week, we continued the thread we have been following in Genesis 1, 2, and 3. Nicole guided our exploration of Genesis 4-11 and helped us see the cyclical rhythms. All throughout this opening of our story, we see the themes of garden, choice, wild place, deliverance through the waters, and covenant promises, and these themes carry on in the whole story of scripture.
Kingdom Practices
In our kingdom practices, we want to continue to walk in the themes of Genesis 1-11 during the week. Is there some part of the story that rings out for you? As we go about our everyday lives this week, let’s continue to ponder whatever stood out. Mull it over, chew on it, meditate on it as you walk through this week. We would also encourage you to keep Nicole’s handout with you as you read scripture in the next couple of months. How do you find these themes repeating wherever you find yourself in the story?
Additional Resources
Themes in Genesis 1-11
The Lost World of Genesis One by John Walton
The Lost World of Adam and Eve by John Walton
The Lost world of the Torah by John Walton
The Bible Story Handbook by John Walton and Kim Walton
Genesis 1-11 Overview a Bible Project video
Genesis 1-2: Origins or Identity a Bible Project Podcast
The Bible Project (videos and podcast)
An incredibly important work on Genesis from N.T. Wright and Francis Collins
If you have a story to share about how you have been encountering God in this season, we would love to hear it!
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