Two become one

I am constantly amazed at the revelation that continues to be discovered in God’s Word. Lately my attention has been drawn to that of creation as relating to humankind and wanted to share some insight integral to understanding God’s natural intent and design for us all. In Genesis 2:7 we see that Adam (man) is formed. Formed-“bring together parts or combine to create, bring into existence.” On the other hand the Isha (woman) was made. Made-“bring into certain form-to cause to be or become.” After the creation of Adam-Elohim (The Lord) declared that it was not good for man to be alone. However, not only was Adam alone, he was “AL-ONE.” The creation of humankind came about through the creation of Adam. After mankind was brought into existence the Lord separated man (humankind) into male and female!

The Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam. Most of today’s translations read “then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place.”(Genesis 2:21) However, the original word used in this context is “tsela or tzela” which means side-side chambers or cells. It has been postulated that what was actually taken from Adam was DNA-which is the framework of life and contains the instructions an organism needs to develop, live and reproduce. It is possible that rib was used allegorically as ribs are necessary not only for the protection of vital organs and assistance in breathing, but they also serve as much needed support for the body. They are the framework onto which the muscles of the chest, back, upper abdomen and shoulder girdle attach. Let’s just say you couldn’t live without them!

What God did with Adam is to remove the portion of him which would later serve as the framework for which the female would come to be. Why the male first? Seed reproduces after its own kind (Genesis 1:11 & 1:25) Males are the producers of seed and women are the bearers/carriers of that seed-woman-meaning “womb man.” What is further interesting is the name for husband-man and woman-wife in the Hebrew language.

Husband-man is represented by Aleph Yod Shin with woman-wife represented by Aleph Shin Heh (Hey). These two names are separated by Yod and Heh (Hey) In looking at what remains-Aleph Shin we learn this means fire-fire. This fire within both male and female can represent passions, desires, etc. These passions and desires can burn uncontrollably if not kept in check. When we look at what was removed, Yod Heh (Hey)-(YH) we come to discover that this is actually the abbreviated form of the Lord’s divine name-YHWH. What is so amazing about God is that He inserted Himself into both the male and female! He is the source that if submitted to Him, controls the fire, so that it does not burn uncontrollably.

After the woman was made the scripture reads, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” In Genesis 1:26 we read that man was created in the image and likeness of God. But, remember after man was created-God separated them into male and female. Oh, here is the best part! It is when man and woman are joined together through (marriage), becoming one flesh, that they reveal the image and likeness of God! It is the act of marriage that brings back together what was once separated!

Why this long message? Because we need to understand the importance of marriage and to recognize Satan’s assault and calculated attack on the institution of it. Remember Satan hates anything that represents God and this act puts the fullness of God’s image and likeness on display.

Press Onward

During the latter half of my third pregnancy I began having some issues with mobility, particularly on the right side. These issues were eventually resolved but would later revisit me in my fourth and final pregnancy. After a few years of visiting various doctors, physical therapies and injections I finally opted for a right sided S.I. Joint Fusion in the summer of 2013.

Prior to these issues I was very active and considered myself to be in even greater shape at that point of my life then when I was younger. The recovery was long lasting and almost two years later I still experience some limitations. Here recently, I decided that in spite of these limitations I needed to be more active. Since the surgery I’ve worked out here and there but not with any consistency. I decided that no matter how small a start returning to physical fitness was a feat I was determined to accomplish.

The other day while jogging, yes jogging, an activity I hadn’t done years prior to my final pregnancy or surgery because of two injured knees I had a revelation. My right hip is often stiff, a side effect from the fusion I’m sure, and sometimes it takes a while to get in motion. At the outset of the run I was experiencing a little pain from the stiffness, but I noticed the longer I ran the less pain I felt, until I eventually felt no pain at all. This very physical activity referenced a spiritual one.

Often in life we find ourselves facing some very intense struggles, battles and situations.  These very things often cripple a person to the point where they struggle to live fully. Sure, they are alive physically but with each step taken they feel the crushing weight of life’s challenges holding them back. It was in that moment as I was jogging that I discovered if I pushed past that which was causing so much discomfort I would break through those very hindrances that were holding me back. Paul is one of the writers of the Bible that is often quoted. I love Paul as I can relate much to the man and definitely to his message.

^“Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” I Corinthians 9:26-27

I like the fact that Paul used such a relatable concept in the way of sports. Being in a Roman dominated society I’m sure he was well equated with the Roman world of sports. He understood that laying hold of something would require discipline. It would require intense and unswerving fixation on a goal along with the training and exercise to obtain it. As a believer this is what we do when we encounter life. Being a believer does not exempt us from the effects of life, being a believer empowers us to rise above them. In the physical many thrive from having a partner to help push and motivate them toward reaching their goal but we are also afforded assistance in the spiritual world. Believers have the best training partner in the way of our Lord, the great I AM.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31

Consequently, in that same exercise session I was enlightened with another revelation. When I awakened the next morning I was slightly sore in my oblique area. I could not figure out why when it hit me that the previous day I did approximately 20 side bends on both the left and right sides. This wasn’t an extensive amount of exercise and I couldn’t understand why this would leave me sore. I then realized these were muscles that have been severely underutilized and any amount of training would produce a physical effect. The same is true within our spiritual walk when facing difficulties. As challenging as it may be spending a small amount of time in prayer, praise and worship will produce not only a physical effect but a spiritual one as well. Time spent in these devices will uplift the soul and strengthen the spirit. The more you continue in those small efforts the greater the advancements you will make.

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14