Six months. Have you ever had six months (or more) where you just needed to unplug? Yeah, that’s been me since the first of the year.
Six months since I last *really* connected on social media. Some stalking, but almost non-existent sharing.
Six months since I opened my blog. More than six months since the last podcast. I was overwhelmed and anxious, almost afraid to share.
My creative voice has had laryngitis. I couldn’t think, couldn’t process, couldn’t believe that anyone wanted to hear anything I wrote or said. Yeah, good ‘ole imposter syndrome set up house in my mind and heart. However, I’ve recently been reminded of Sabbath rest God instituted in Genesis 2:2-3. That rest (and unplugging) is a good thing. As I’ve disconnected, I’ve been able to dial in on other things – habits and rhythms that have been instrumental in clearing my mind and heart! Studying Genesis has been one of those focuses.
The Sunday school class my husband and I teach started a new series going through Genesis, and we’re taking a slow roll through it. Some weeks, we’re going to cover a chapter or two, some weeks, just a verse or two. And, I’d like to share here, on the blog, what we’re discovering (or rediscovering)! I hope you’ll come along for the journey!!
For today, let’s summarize Genesis before we dig in.
In his book, *Blue Parakeet*, author Scot McKnight teaches us to view THE story [of the Bible] as one big story comprised of many micro-stories, each with its own set of characters, plot, conflict, climax and resolution. The theme of THE story is God’s desire, plan and process of redemption and restoration. IF we evaluate the micro-stories through the lens of THE story, something beautiful is revealed. We see the theme of redemption and restoration illustrated throughout each micro-story! How cool is it that God gives us one BIG story, but gives us so many illustrations of how THE story is played out in everyday life and situations!
Genesis is broken into eight distinct sections or micro-stories.
The first four significant micro-stories are:
- Creation (of everything) [Genesis 1-2]
- The Undoing (or the Fall as many of us have been taught to call it) [Genesis 3]
- The Restarting (the Flood and restarting of humanity) [Genesis 5-9]
- The Dispersion (the Tower of Babel and the spreading out of humanity) [Genesis 10-11]
In the next four micro-stories, we’re going to focus on four people from one family:
- Abraham [Genesis 12-23]
- Isaac [Genesis 24-28]
- Jacob [Genesis 27-35]
- Joseph [Genesis 37-50]
As we explore these micro-stories, we’ll discover more about who God is, what humanity was designed for and God’s purpose for them/us throughout the generations.
Looking forward to sharing these insights and highlights with you! Be sure to subscribe to the blog, so you don’t miss any new posts!