Eishah Smith

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all their multitude. On the sixth day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.” Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NRSVUE‬‬

This is the last part of our Love in creation experiment. 1 John 4:8 told us God is love, and we’re reading Love as God in Genesis to see if Love is only a characteristic of God, or if Love is God. So far Love creates intentionally, with system and order, with care and excellence, in union and unison, for diversity and harmony, just right, yet with potential for more, with pride and satisfaction. By itself that understanding of Love and of God is enough to keep us busy for weeks.

But the story has one more piece before we finish. On the sixth day Love decided everything was good, even very good. So on the seventh day, Love formally finished the work, ceremonially rested and celebrated, and that celebration was so good, Love set apart every seventh day after it as a rest day because Love rested that first one. I say ceremonially rested because Love wasn’t tired, and celebrated because the original word for rest here includes the idea of celebrating.

Now if Love could make all of the heavens and everything in them, the earth and everything in it, and two humans all in six days, what kind of rest day celebration could Love create!It makes we wonder what we missed! Was it like a product launch, or an awards ceremony, or more like an after party? Or just a simple day at the beach? All of these in one, or all taking turns, or something else altogether? What were the giveaways, party favors, or leftovers like? Even the angels of God shouted for joy! (Job 38:1-7) Whatever it was, Love decided we needed the chance to do it again every seven days, and this pattern of work and rest was established as part of the dominion given to humanity.

And beyond that wonderment, what is it about creation have I missed that I’m surprised and baffled by the thought of Love making a cosmic celebration? Either way my new curiosity about and responsibility towards the Sabbath demands a new look and a shift in practice. My week simply cannot remain the same.

So far, Love is an absolutely beautiful way to see our Creator. Love is God in my book, and it isn’t, I wish it were. I would worship and serve a God like Love.

Love, you have amazed me over and over again in this study. Today is no exception. I have been ignorant of all you created, and how celebration worthy it truly is. Teach me how to do and finish good work in six days, and how to celebrate on the seventh like You did.

It’s been an awesome journey so far. I definitely want to continue this experiment in other Bible stories. I’ll come back to it in the future. I want to know more about Love works in other sections of the Bible. Are there particular stories or passages you’d like to explore? Leave a comment. See you next time.