Genesis 1:11-12

2006.Apr.05 17:24

Flora

Read Genesis 1:11-12 | Full Chapter

God makes plants. This is good, since later creations will eat them. Additionally, these plants do a couple of things:

1. They sprout from the earth; or, more precisely, the earth sprouts them
2. They bear seed, or fruit with seed, after their kind

The attributes suggest that God is designing them to reflect his plan for humanity, in addition to providing sustenance.

God orders (or allows from the “Let”) the earth to "”sprout vegetation…and fruit trees”" (Genesis 1:11, NASB) . God builds up his ideal location for humanity, that is earth, but he also reflects humanity in this. Humans are created from the earth, and sustained by the things of the earth. We, like flora, are constrained to an environment. And one, considering the size of the universe, indeed of the planet, that is pretty darn small. We are dependent, explicitly, on the earth. Why would that be important to God? Because he is teaching us to depend on him. These environmental constraints remind us that we are now gods, at least not on the level of Jehovah. We see this constraint all around us, and plants, which must hold root, dependant on the earth, are an excellent example.

The plants also have seed, after their kind. (Side note: Sorry for the bad transition sentences. My essayist skills have diminished.) Once again, we see God creating distinctions, now adding to it that of generations. Also here is the concept of parenthood, although not of rearing.
In all, that is, God is presenting the concept of connection with prior generations, that each species can be seen as its own entity. As Adam and Eve are one, even more so prior to the seperation caused by sin, so we as humanity act as one. This point is solidified is the concept of the bride. God desires friendship and companionship. However, due to the natural claim to godhood of sentient beings–anyway, I think it’s inevitable–that companion must be matured, with things added and things cut off. We as humanity are the bride, but only those unwilling to renounce their godhood and turn to Jesus will be cut off.

And so, once again, I am left wondering how I got from the first point to this. Coming up: God plays with light some more!