Streaming

Genesis 2:8-17

The picture is one of spreading blessing. The trees in the middle of the garden will come up again later. A couple of things here:
1. There was work to do. Work is honourable and intended for people from the beginning. The man was to take care of the garden.
2. The garden is connected to the rest of the world by means of the rivers: living, flowing energy. This image will be picked up more through Scripture, in Ezekiel 47:1-12 and Revelation 22:1-5. Every time, the image conveys the intended design of God that where his dwelling is acknowledged, it is a source of blessing for all that is around.

Prayer:
God of all, I am reminded that there is nothing that comes from me. There is only stuff that passes through. I haven’t had an original thought in my life. Nothing good I have done started with me. Yet you give me the privilege of having a part in shaping things along the way, and yet not me except as part of a community. The whole thing is multiplied by all taking part in it. What a river, what a God. Amen.