Let’s start at the very beginning….
The opening chapters of Genesis reflect some of the most famous stories ever told. Whether you see them as literature, ancient mythology, or just a way early humans tried to make sense of their world, these stories tap into themes that still hit close to home. They wrestle with big questions: Where do we come from? Why do relationships matter? Why do we sometimes make choices we regret? Here are my thoughts from the first day of reading the bible.
Genesis 1: A Story About Beginnings
The first chapter of Genesis reads like an ancient take on a cosmic “how it all started” story. It’s interesting as there are two parts. The first part are the actions of separation. Separating light from dark, heavens from earth, land from water. The second step begins the creations; plants, animal, and humans.
There’s an interesting line: “Let us make man in our image” (1:26). Who’s “us”? Is this the first reference to the trinitarian God? It’s not clear, but it might remind us of other ancient myths where gods work together to create the world. This does come up again in chapter 3.
What stands out is how humanity is described: created together, male and female, as equals, and tasked with caring for the earth. It’s a vision of humanity not as rulers, but as stewards. This story has a way of making us think about our place in the big picture—how we’re part of something larger than ourselves.
Genesis 2: A Closer Look at Connection
The second chapter zooms in, retelling the story with a focus on the creation of humans and their relationships. There’s a striking line here: “It is not good for man to be alone” (2:18). This isn’t just about romance; it’s about the human need for connection. Whether it’s friends, family, or community, we’re wired to thrive with others.
The creation of a partner for Adam shows something universal about relationships—they’re about balance, mutual support, and being there for each other. In a world that often celebrates independence, this is a reminder that we’re at our best when we’re connected. Man was not created to dominate women, but woman was not created to do everything herself.
Genesis 3: Curiosity, Choices, and Consequences
In chapter 3, the story takes a turn. Adam and Eve are living in paradise, but then the serpent persuades Eve to eat the fruit from the one tree they were told to avoid. Why? Because it promises knowledge—an understanding of good and evil. Who hasn’t been tempted by the idea of knowing more, being more, or controlling their world a little better? Eve just wanted security.
The fallout is immediate. They eat the fruit and suddenly feel shame. Then come the excuses: Adam blames Eve; Eve blames the serpent. It’s a pattern we see all the time—dodging responsibility instead of owning up to our choices.
At its heart, this story isn’t just about breaking rules. It’s about the costs of curiosity and the tension between wanting more and being ready for what comes with it. It’s also a cautionary tale about blame: when things go wrong, the easiest thing to do is point fingers. But what if we owned our mistakes instead?
Why It Still Matters
Even if you don’t see these stories as literal truth, they raise questions we all face:
How do we find our place in the world?
Why are relationships so important?
How do we deal with the consequences of our curiosity and choices?
Genesis 1-3 doesn’t offer easy answers, but that’s part of its power. It invites us to think and reflect. What do you see in these stories? Do they remind you of your own struggles with connection, responsibility, or figuring out what really matters?