Genesis 2:5-6 (NRSV)
Read Genesis 2:5-6 on biblegateway.com
Verse 5when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up-for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; Verse 6but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground-
Devotion
Water has destructive power, but it also gives life. Modern science tells us that all living things are made up mostly of water. Before any tree, plant or creature is found in the primeval garden, a stream rises up and waters all the earth. The painting "The Garden of Earthly Delights" by Hieronymous Bosch portrays this breathtaking scene. With this single image, the very substance that most threatens creation in Genesis 1 becomes the source of life in Genesis 2.
This dual reality of water is all around us. Oceans teem with life as well as threaten. Rivers overflow, but offer cultivation. We are brought to life in our mothers' chaotic waters. Proverbs 18:4 uses this image to teach us that our words can both drown and gush with wisdom.
Paradox stands at the heart of creation, just as it stands at the heart of salvation. The cross of Christ, the very instrument of death, is also the tree that gives us life. This dual reality marks our baptism and the following journey. We die with Christ, and in Christ we are reborn.
Prayer
God of grace, grant us this day the gift of seeing your life-giving waters all around us.
Amen.