Let There Be Light: Devotions From Time of GraceSample

Let there be people

God began his work on the sixth day with the creation of land animals, both the wild ones and those intended for domestication (“livestock”). They too were given the ability to reproduce, as with everything else in God’s brilliant design “according to their kind.”

And then came his masterpiece, the crown of his creation--the human race. People, intended to be God’s children, were made in his image, i.e., with desires and values just like his, made to love and carry out his agenda. They were holy, just like God, and charged with management of all creation: “God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it’” (Genesis 1:27,28).

Adam was made of dust, and that is the meaning of his name--"Adamah" in Hebrew means “earth.” From his rib God made a woman, who would be the mother of the human race. That is what her name means--"Chavah" (Eve) means “living.” She was exactly what he needed, someone who corresponded to him, someone suitable for him. There they were, just those two, looking at their paradise in Eden, smiling up at their God, looking at each other in wonder.

And then came the wedding. And the wedding night.