Parasha Minute: Genesis / BreisheetSample

"God’s Agenda"

The garden described in Genesis was planted specifically for Adam, set apart from all the previous creative work that God had finished. In fact, the Persian word for “paradise” means an enclosed park, like what royalty use for hunting. Modern city-dwellers might be reminded of a wildlife sanctuary. There, plants and trees were more suited to sustaining life, and had everything humankind needed to survive well. On Adam fell the responsibility to sustain the garden and protect it from ruin, so that life would flourish with no end in sight. We know the story turns out differently. In eating from a forbidden tree, Adam and Eve learned that making this choice shattered God’s plan for life. But God’s original intent has never changed: life rich with purpose, defined by glorious companionship with Himself. Points to Ponder: Have you made choices that have interrupted fulfillment and productivity? Why do we want our choices to result in good things?