Devoted: 6 Days With Women in the BibleSample
Eve: Created by God
By: Donna Gaines
In Genesis 1, readers are given the thirty-thousand-foot view of creation. In rapid succession we read about the beginning of everything from light to darkness, birds of the air to fish of the sea, and everything in between. Genesis 2, on the other hand, zooms in and gives us more details. Both chapters reveal very important information about our origin as women.
God created Adam and Eve on day six of creation (Gen. 1:26-31). In Genesis 2, we are told God created Adam out of the dust of the ground. In verse 18, God declared that it was not good for man to be alone, and He created a “helper” for Adam. Here, along with Genesis 1:27, we see God’s creation of distinct and complementary genders, male and female. Genesis 2:18 is easily misunderstood to imply women are inferior to men, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Eve, just like Adam, was an image-bearer of God. God knew the work He had given Adam would be impossible to do alone; he needed Eve. They were made to complement one another. And not until after Eve was made did God declare His creation “very good indeed” (Gen. 1:31). Created in the image of God as an ezer (helper), we are essential to God’s plan. We support the work He is doing in our churches, homes, local communities, and around the globe.
In Genesis 3, the enemy suggested to Eve that God was not good, that He was holding out on her. If she would break God’s one rule, she could be like God. We have been trying to be God ever since. What did Adam and Eve gain by disobeying God’s one rule? Separation from God—an unimaginable consequence—which led to things like fear, guilt, shame, separation in their relationship with each other, and ultimately, death. The Bible is clear that the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23).
God killed an animal that He had declared good to cover Adam and Eve. Here we see the mercy of God as well as His provision. This animal foreshadowed Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God slain for the sins of the world. Christ’s blood covers us from our sin, and we are now clothed in His righteousness. Jesus was also in view in God’s curse of the serpent (Gen. 3:15). He will destroy Satan, the serpent, once and for all (Rev. 20). Because God is good and only does good, we can give Him thanks. God has provided “the way” (John 14:6) for us to be in right relationship with Him. Cling to Jesus. Allow Him to redeem your story.
Take your time to read through Genesis 1–3 today.
About this Plan
The Bible mentions countless women who bear witness to the faithfulness and love of God. In this 6-day reading plan from Lifeway Women, you'll learn about women in Scripture whose lives have inspired generations of women in their faith and devotion to God. Their stories are a reminder that you, too, are made in the image of God, and you have an important part to play in God's story.
More
We would like to thank LifeWay Women for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://Lifeway.com/devoted