Lovingly made to be lovingly one
by Norma Koehne
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Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being … the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man and brought her to the man (Genesis 2:7,22).
Read Genesis 2:4–25
God’s creation was not complete. God himself lovingly formed man out of the dust of the earth, breathing ‘into his nostrils the breath of life’. Man was a separate and special creation distinct from all the other animals. ‘God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them’ (Genesis 1:27).
Then, in loving concern for his creation, he takes a rib from the man and creates a woman to be his ‘helpmeet’, a helper standing beside him. God’s purpose is clear in Genesis 2:24: ‘That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife and they become one flesh.’ Adam’s joy is immediate. ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called “woman”. For she was taken out of man’ (verse 23).
In a world consumed by talk of toxic masculinity and domestic violence, let us celebrate the essence of God’s creation of men and women, created to be one, working in harmony and love to care for God’s good creation. What a blessing Christians have in our marriages. A loving Christian marriage is where love – Christ’s love poured into our hearts – truly comes to life. Husbands are urged to strive to show self-sacrificing, selfless love and wives self-giving love, both exemplified by Christ’s love for all humankind (Ephesians 5:22–33). And when we fail, as we will, we are restored through repentance, forgiveness and healing.
Praise God for his good creation of male and female and for entrusting – even expecting – us to exemplify his love in our relations with each other. May our lives together as Christian husband and wife be that light set on a lampstand (Matthew 5:15) to the world around us.
Loving Father, we praise you for your creation of male and female to be one, made in your image, and made to love and support each other. Help us have such harmony and selfless love in our relationships that we are indeed a light to the world, to the honour and praise of your name. Amen.
Norma grew up in Koonibba SA. She was a teacher at Concordia College in SA and then served in various roles in Papua New Guinea with her husband. Returning to Australia, Norma worked as an International Student Advisor and, after completing a PhD, worked in administration at the University of Divinity. She has been privileged to serve the LCA on the General Church Board, the Seminary Council, and as president of Lutheran Women of Victoria and Lutheran Women of Australia. Currently, she is happily retired.
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