16 JANUARY
Designed for eternity
‘And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.’ Genesis 2:7
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Ezekiel 37:1–14
The LORD God formed man. The formation of man’s body:
(i) The materials: the dust of the ground, and yet by nature capable of immortality; for that man was afterwards liable to death was the consequence of sin. Here we may observe that everything is what it is in consequence of the divine appointment. Dust, by the will of God, may be immortal, and stones become bread.
(ii) The expression formed: the word is properly used of the skill and power of the potter over the clay which he moulds according to his own will, and makes it very different from what it was in the mass. Much of the wisdom of God is manifest to an attentive eye in the admirable structure of our bodies. We are fearfully and wonderfully made.
The LORD God breathed. The communication of life: he breathed, which seems to import the union of an immortal soul—for the animals were living creatures likewise, yet no such expression is used of them. The life of the soul was distinct from the life of the body and did not, like that, depend upon his obedience, for the wicked are immortal. Only sin perverts this primitive blessing and honour into the greatest curse. Consider this, ye that forget God [Psalm 50:22]—you are not creatures of a day, but designed for eternity.
FOR MEDITATION: O for a new heart, a new sight, that my mind may be active. Leave me not to my own foolishness but lead me and guide me and restore unto me the joy of thy countenance for thy name’s sake. Amen.
Diary, 8 and 17 November, 1755
SERMON SERIES: GENESIS, NO. 3 [2/4], GENESIS 2:7
