History can explain a lot.

Our past explains us, but doesn't define us.

"God created man (male and female) in His own image."  Gen 1:27.  Unfortunately, by Genesis chapter 3 both male and female had ignored God's instructions, messed up the tasks God had given them,  destroyed their paradise, and together conspired to lie to God about their guilt in the matter!

What a heritage! Then the male and female had two sons. The older one grew up to be a farmer, the younger, a shepherd. When they brought offerings to God, He was not as impressed with Cain's fruit and veggies as He was with Abel's sacrificed offering. In a fit of rejection and rage Cain killed his brother. Was anyone in this family ever going to admit to their mistakes?   

Reading through the book of Genesis the future generations continued to live with their own importance paramount to their plans. Until Joseph! Joseph used his family's failures to become a man who honoured God and respected others. He went from prisoner to 2nd-in-Charge of Egypt due to his faith in God.

I find the last chapters of Genesis both inspiring and liberating. Yes, we're born of fractured, sinful people but we don't have to live the same life - we are not our parents, we don't need to make the same mistakes. We will, however, make our own. We live in a fallen world, we stuff up, we fall short. That's why we need forgiveness from God, a new life through the work of Jesus at Calvary, and an assured hope of eternal life. 

GOD IS THE POTTER WHO RESTORES AND REFINES HIS BROKEN PEOPLE.

Jo blogs