So the Lord GOD caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord GOD had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.
Genesis 2:21-22
Before there were nations, there were tribes. Tribal people tell stories. Stories have meaning and purpose. The Children of Israel had two stories about God the creator.
In the second Creation story, God caused God’s creation to thrive and produce by providing streams of water to flow through the land. It was God’s decision to produce all kinds of plants to provide food, and all kinds of creatures to enjoy the food. God seemed to be especially proud of the final creature, man. God brought the creatures, one by one, to the man to see what he would name them. By naming them, they became joint property of the man and his creator. In spite of all the creatures God had created, man was lonely. He couldn’t feel fully at home in the amazing place God had prepared for him. God took care of that with a rib from the man. A perfect partner, woman! Home at last!
Gracious God our creator. You provide gifts galore for you creatures. Thank you for a most perfect gift, our partners! Amen.
Bud Christenson, Pastor
