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Creation – Six-Day Journey…

Articles November 1, 2021 Leave a comment

 

“Then God said …;” “And it was so …;” simply denote the authority of our Creator God…“And God saw that it was good;” “and behold, it was very good;” speak absolutely of the excellence of God.”

Cecy Yépez

Following the commitment of “Towards Excellence” we now share a second excerpt from the study “The God of creation as author and example of excellence”, this time focused on the extraordinary six-day journey in which the wonderful creation took place.

It is important to mention that the English version of this article has been translated from the Spanish version of Towards Excellence (https://hacialaexcelencia.org/2021/11/01/creacion-una-jornada-de-seis-dias); not from the original texts and works of authors here cited. The Bible verses used are from NASB.

So, sit back and let’s briefly travel through time!

Herbert Wolf states that Genesis was written as the prologue to the rest of the Bible. In general terms, Genesis expounds on the origin of the universe, the physical world, human life, cultures and certainly the nation of Israel. All this without considering the detailed explanation of how sin entered this world and how it ruined God’s original creation.[1]

It is interesting that throughout the creation account the frequency of at least 4 phrases to which much attention should be paid is observed: “Then God said …;” “And it was so …;” “And God saw that it was good; ““And behold, it was very good”.

The first two sentences: “Then God said …;” “And it was so …;” simply denote the authority of our Creator God. His Word is truthful and trustworthy. What God says that is fulfilled. As it is stated in Psalm 33: 8-9 (NASB):

“Let all the earth fear the Lord;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood firm.”TE.Palm33

The second two sentences: “And God saw that it was good;” “and behold, it was very good;” speak absolutely of the excellence of God. But these last two sentences are definitely connected with the first two. God declares His Word with authority and truthfulness, consequently His decrees are executed, and they are executed with undoubted excellence.

Don Fleming, author of the “Concise Bible Commentary,” in his section “Plan of the Genesis account,” states that the Earth constitutes only a small part of God’s creation. And he adds:

“The Genesis account is concerned with showing that God made everything from nothing, that He worked from what is without form to what has form, from the simple to the complex. He describes how He led the universe through various stages until His creative activity reached its climax in Adam and Eve.” (Fleming 1994)

Thus, it is time then to travel through part of the great creative work of God. Let us start our imagination for this journey…a journey that originally lasted six days, exposed in Genesis 1: 1 – 2: 3. And for this purpose, we will quote again Fleming, who in a simple but dynamic and creative way, superbly synthesizes this work:

At first the earth was shapeless and in darkness, due to the surrounding mass of water, but as the thick clouds of steam began to lose their density, a hazy light came from the invisible Sun (1: 1-5 – Day 1).

And as they lost greater density, the vapor clouds rose from the ground, producing a clear distinction between the surface of the oceans and the roof of the heavy clouds above (1: 6-8 – Day 2).

Meanwhile the Earth (the planet) was drying up and the Earth as such appeared visible. Simpler forms of life began to appear. Various kinds of soils and climatic conditions produced various kinds of plants, which were thus created so that they continue to produce more plants according to their own species (1: 9-13 – Day 3).

The heavy cloud above, which gradually became thinner and thinner, finally broke apart. And so the sun, moon and stars that were previously hidden are now clearly visible. And its effect on the land allowed a variety of climates and an annual pattern of seasons to occur (1: 14-19 – Day 4).

As God’s creative activity progressed, animal life began to appear, with creatures in the sea and creatures in the sky (1: 20-23 – Day 5).

Creation-girl and forest2The Earth also experienced the appearance of animal life, until it was also filled with all kinds of creatures. And finally, the first human couple arrived, representing the pinnacle of God’s creation. Unlike other living beings, the human couple was created in the image of God. (1: 24-31 – Day 6).[2]  And about this we will talk later, in a future article, about how God, their Creator, prepared everything for their arrival and reception.

Throughout this journey of creation, it is important to note that five of the six days of creation itself, the following statement is reiterated: “And God saw that it was good.”

Henry M. Morris III, in his article “Genesis and the Character of God”, points out that it is the same word in Hebrew that is used every time and means exactly what is expected, that is: good, pleasant, charming, excellent, beneficial. In fact, this term is used more than 500 times in the Bible. There is nothing so unusual about the use of God’s Word, Morris says, except that it is repeated often and that it is God who uses this term.[3]

And the sixth time, precisely on the sixth day, a greater emphasis is observed, “And God saw all that he had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).

The Hebrew word for good is טוב [TOV] and from the Hebraic perspective it means that “TOV” is practical and functional, not just a state of pleasure. Thus, in Genesis 1:31, it is observed that God saw that His creation worked perfectly.[4]

On the other hand, Nachmanides interprets the word מְאֹ֑ד [ME´OD] as “mainly,” that is, the world is “mainly good,” quoting Onkelos, it would be further specified as “very orderly” and “appropriately arranged.”[5]

Throughout the six-day journey, it is undoubtedly shown that creation displays the Creator’s mark of excellence. In fact, the Creator Himself stated that His creation is flawless in every way. It is impeccable for sure in beauty, in function, in purpose, and in potential. After the creation, God saw all and saw that all created was very good.[6]

More of the God of excellence in our next post. See you soon!

 

[1] Herbert Wolf, An Introduction to the Old Testament – Pentateuch (Chicago: Moody Press, 1991), 79-80.

[2] Don Fleming, Concise Bible Commentary (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1994), 13.

[3] Henry M. Morris III, “Genesis and the Character of God,” Institute of Creation Research, https://www.icr.org/article/genesis-character-god/

[4] CMJ Israel, “Hebrew Word Studies,” CMJ Israel, https://www.cmj-israel.org/yeshiva/hebrew-word-studies

[5] Zachary Braiterman, “Tohu and Bohu are TOV – Genesis,” Jewish Philosophy Place, https://jewishphilosophyplace.com/2014/10/19/tohu-vabohu-is-tov-genesis/

[6] BibleRef, “What does Genesis 1:31 mean?,” BibleRef, https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/1/Genesis-1-31.html

 

The God of Creation as Author and Example of Excellence – Introduction

Articles October 3, 2021 Leave a comment

“…from the microscopic and complex of DNA to the magnificent and unattainable galactic world of the splendid universe, the Creator´s mark of excellence is infallibly present.”

Cecy Yepez

For some months “Towards Excellence” has been silent, due to some circumstances, perhaps one of the main ones, because I, the author, was working on a long research whose theme fascinates me. So, for some time I have considered to share excerpts from it with each of you, the beloved audience of “Towards Excellence.”

From now on, I will be pleased to provide a broad overview of the excellence of the Triune Creator God and its implications for the work of leaders, and especially, Christian leaders within their various spheres of influence.

Through the study of Genesis 1 and 2, among other Biblical passages, the fascinating world of creation and its different moments are approached, in which the excellence of its Maker undoubtedly unfolds. It is observed, of course, that from the microscopic and complex of DNA to the magnificent and unattainable galactic world of the splendid universe, the Creator’s mark of excellence is infallibly present.

And of course, this study highlights the sublime and supernatural presence of the mark of excellence in the Creator’s masterpiece – the human being, in whose being His image and likeness were impregnated, which unfortunately was upset, stained and broken by the fall; but it is emphasized that it has the opportunity to be restored through the redemptive work of Christ. Of Whom, incidentally, a wonderful approach is made as “the image of the invisible God”, based on Colossians 1:15-17 and Colossians 2:9.

Space view on Planet Earth and Sun Star rotating on its axis in black Universe. Elements of image furnished by NASA, [Envato Elements].

In fact, to understand even more about the image of God, the character of Jesus and His actions are also analyzed, since He is the perfect example of what human nature should have been.

Thus, this study, in its last part, deals with what concerns Christian leadership, understanding that its actors, made in the image and likeness of the Creator, are challenged to be an example of His excellence where they have been called to lead. And not only that, but as bearers of His image, they have been commanded to exercise dominion over all creation, but they must do so in a way that is consistent with the character of the God of excellence.

For this reason, throughout the excerpts that I will share from this research, the great example of Jesus Christ will be denoted, whose leadership style has revolutionized the world. A leader who sacrificially serves lepers, without fear of infection; a leader who breaks down cultural barriers, not fearing other people´s opinion, such as the encounter with the Samaritan woman; a leader who forgives and restores, as when he courageously defended the woman who was about to be stoned; a confronting leader, as in the eviction of the temple. A true servant leader who gives His life for the cause that was entrusted to Him!

And we delved further, understanding that this leader did not allow Himself to be infected by the profane culture of His environment; but rather fearlessly expanded the culture of the Kingdom of God.

I trust that these excerpts will inspire many as they may have the opportunity to meet the God of excellence for the first time, or reaffirm their knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ, the God of excellence; or even more, mobilize many to be and act as ambassadors of excellence in this world.

In our next issue, we will start together an extraordinary journey through which we will recognize “the excellence of God in creation”; and certainly, we will join the poetic statement of Job:

“[God] who alone stretched out the heavens
    and trampled the waves of the sea;
who made the Bear and Orion,
    the Pleiades and the chambers of the south;
who does great things beyond searching out,
    and marvelous things beyond number.”

(Job 9:8-10 – ESV)

See you soon and in the meantime, I encourage you to live a life marked by excellence!

Hope amidst the Chaos

Articles July 13, 2020 Leave a comment

“…there is only one way to resist and overcome the ravages of this pandemic…”

 

 

After 6 months of COVID-19 being identified as an infectious disease, first in Wuhan, Hubei, China; and then as a pandemic that is consequently affecting the entire globe; it would seem that this “invisible enemy” has not given humanity a truce and persists in its attack. As of press time, 13,022,814 cases have been reported, including 571,000 deaths.

And yes in the midst of this pandemic, the cases of COVID-19 do not stop; and logically neither the cases of anguish, depression, panic because this virus has not only wreaked havoc on the physical health of humanity, tragically including the death of some; but it has also caused destabilization in the world economy; companies that have gone bankrupt; or at least that they have reduced their workforce and unfortunately, household heads who have lost their jobs; just to name a few of the disorders caused by this “invisible enemy.”

And of course, parallel to the chaos we are facing, there is no shortage of well-meaning messages loaded with “good vibes” – as some call it so, that somehow want to motivate the souls of those who have fallen in this time and encourage them to get up; in fact, for all of society to rise up and fight for our most dear longings despite adversity.

But are we putting our trust solely in our courage, strength, good cheer, and skillful human strategy? If so, I’m afraid we won’t get very far. In fact, not even the most skillful scientific, political or even economic strategy has been able to stop the impacts of any kind caused by this pandemic.

However, there is only one way to resist and overcome the ravages of this pandemic; and it is precisely recognizing that we are not “self-sufficient”, that as humans “we did not make ourselves”; and that it is necessary to turn to our Maker, to our Creator, to the One who brought order to the initial chaos in this world (Genesis 1) and who has the power to sustain us, to raise us up and certainly, to bring order our chaotic world, to our chaotic lives.

How pleasant it is to find in the freshness of His Word, refreshment for our soul and true hope in the midst of an uncertain future from the human perspective; but, full of great hope for those of us who decide to trust Him, Jesus Christ, the author of life!

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord
and whose trust is the Lord…” (Jeremiah 17:7-8

Do you know Jesus personally? Would you like to do it? If so, contact Towards Excellence and we will be happy to share more about our Lord Jesus Christ, the only hope for this world in chaos.

 

Source: Worldometer (pandemia statistics)

Photography:  Photo 1 and 2: Envato Elements & Photo 3: Cecy Yepez

Panic, Desolation, Hopelessness…Who do You Trust now?

Articles April 5, 2020 Leave a comment

“The crisis surpasses everything that human efforts could do.  And it’s just not the virus itself that causes illness and even sad losses everywhere…”

 

It’s true that from January 2020, all media and social media have been burdening us with thousands of headlines causing -some of them more than others- fear, anguish, hopelessness; in other words, chaos and instability.

For example, in January, “Fires in Australia are threatening the future of 327 protected species of plants and animals, says the Government.”  Also, in January, “Earthquake in Puerto Rico: How the earthquakes changed the view of the shape of the island from space.”  Later in February, “At least nine people died in Turkey because of the earthquake.  The epicenter was in Iran.”  And, of course, we haven’t been unaware of the widely debated “global warming” topic.

And yes, the earth has indeed faced fires, earthquakes, floods in different zones of the planet, and there’s no doubt that many populations have been affected in different and very critical ways.  But, in any case, each of these problems were specific or have attacked specific places.  And even though their neighbors from all over the world sympathized with them, nobody suffered from these tragedies but the people directly involved or affected.  Thus, it was a sort of sectorial pain, just to give a name to it.

However, lately some other headlines have joined the ones above mentioned: “UK ‘under house arrest’ as coronavirus measures ‘end freedom’”; “Coronavirus in Ecuador: questions and answers about corpse treatment during the health emergency;” or “The pandemic could reduce the world economy by almost 1% in 2020, says the UN.”

Hence, the outlook takes a radical turn, of course.  Headlines of this kind, about a particular topic, start to emerge in different countries around the globe, one after another, minute after minute.  Just like a clock that won’t stop ticking news after news, announcing an “invisible enemy” –COVID-19.

Enemy who, as of press time, has attacked over a million victims and killed 64,743 people worldwide.  An actual tragedy!

But, what kind of enemy is this, coming to disrupt the life of all the inhabitants of the planet like no other has before?  Panic isn’t sectorial anymore, panic is global!  The disaster isn’t sectorial, it’s global!

How can we leave this confinement?  How can we defeat the enemy?  Who can we trust?  These are some questions of all humankind in the midst of this world crisis.  But, despite the good spirits of some people, the high motivation of others, and mostly the amazing good will and self-sacrificing service of some more, and the strategic action of the governments that must be mentioned, of course; nothing is enough to bring well-being, good health or real peace feeling back.

The crisis surpasses everything that human efforts could do.  And it’s just not the virus itself that causes illness and even sad losses everywhere. It’s also the emotional tragedy that has reached families, communities and the entire global environment.

But it is right there, when we as human beings, we have nowhere to turn to and nowhere to go for shelter, when we realize our vulnerability, weakness and powerlessness to face the unknown. That’s when we dive into the deepest of our heart and acknowledge that there’s someone we can and we should turn to.

That someone is God.  And the word “god” might be too “shabby,” too “underused”, or too “decontextualized.”  Does the world have a true understanding and knowledge of who God is?  Does the world really understand the essence and greatness of God, the Creator of heavens and earth, the universe and everything that exists?

If indeed humanity understood the magnificence of this God, they would join yesteryear’s Psalmist, David, and cry out from the depths of their heart in these times of crisis:

“ I look up to the mountains—
    does my help come from there?
  My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth!”

“The Lord keeps you from all harm
    and watches over your life.”

 (Psalm 121:1-2,7  NLT)

 

When we come to understand that we ran out of “human” resources, in the midst of this pandemic, there’s no wiser action than turning to the Creator of all humankind.  There’s no wiser action than turning to the One who gives life, the One who saves and heals, the One from whom flows true peace.

There’s no other way than turning to the true and almighty God, to Jesus Christ, the Life itself, the Savior of the world, the Prince of peace!

While the news proclaim panic, desolation, hopelessness; only those who put their trust in the Eternal God, the Creator of heaven and earth, will have the strength to proclaim serenity, consolation and hope; always understanding that their protection comes from above, from their Creator.

“You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.”

(Isaiah 26:3-4  NIV)

 

Source: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

Photos:  Cecy Yepez (1) & Envato Elements (2, 3, 4) – Design:  YNS

 

Images that Freeze the Moment…

Articles May 31, 2019 Leave a comment

“Activists will come and go, voices will be raised and shut, Governments will seek popularity and others will oppose… But there is something that will remain and is unmovable – nature.”

 

Some time ago, I was commuting in a taxi to my office, and in the midst of a heavy traffic and my mind swirling with so many thoughts at the same time, I was suddenly caught by an image that I will never forget.

In the distance, one could see the sweetness of two teenage girls, who probably left their school at that time and were waiting for public transportation to drive them back home. All flirtatious, dressed in their school uniform, carrying their heavy backpacks, they seemed to engage in a dialogue that only they were able to understand in depth.

Glances went back and forth between the two of them and anyone who saw them could tell that they were two girls who had built a great friendship; a close, deep and unconditional relationship.

In the midst of the crowd and heavy traffic, my taxi suddenly stopped forthwith in front of the red traffic light, and concurrently, my gaze also stopped in amazement at the warning of the next action taken by these girls.

I could hardly believe it, my heart was pounding and at the same time, it was saddened. Those who stared at them surely thought that they were “accomplices”, schoolmates who had each other’s back all the time, accomplices when they did not complete the tasks, accomplices when perhaps one of them was missing, accomplices maybe when they copied each other’s exams. Yes, accomplices! Because in the couple of minutes that the traffic and the red light stopped me slightly in front of them, those thoughts brought about the image of these two girls, the image of the girly things that these schoolgirls would surely do in school.

Actually, my heart became sad when I suddenly looked at one of them who, with such boldness, approached even more the other girl and with a “womanizer” attitude began to caress and kiss her. And of course, the other one kissed her back “positively” without objection, pain, or complication.

A close friendship? A sincere and unconditional fellowship? A temporary relationship of infatuation between young girls? Or rather a tremendous alert for parents, families, communities!
Perhaps, while many read this story, they might say that “we must be tolerant and respect other people’s thinking and lifestyle,” or that “we must have an open mind, that we are in a different point in time.” The most disturbing thing is that even parents might think it so too.

But if we are honest to ourselves and analyze this kind of situations from the bottom of our hearts; isn’t it bizarre, uncomfortable and even disgusting to watch this kind of scenes – two little girls as if they were “in love”, or two boys pretending to be in a “couple’s” relationship?

And beyond that, as in my case, it was certainly painful. I felt a deep sadness for those girls. From the bottom of my heart I felt that there is a deep confusion in their lives. A confusion that probably stem from shortcomings in their lives. Yes, lack of love and care by their parents, lack of an appropriate family environment that affirms to each one of them that they are princesses, beautiful girls with a bright future ahead of them in which they will emerge as beautiful and intelligent women, full of attributes and virtues; as great professionals; but, mostly, as wonderful wives and mothers, whose children will be breastfed, nourished, protected, educated and guided as only a selfless mother usually does.

Yes! Shortages and probably losses! A few years ago I had the opportunity to do a research, with academic purposes, on the main causes of homosexuality and it was at the same time, surprising and sad to understand why finally many children, adolescents and young people end up confused, deviant and spoiled. Among the reasons are:

1. Damaged family ties: absence of the father or the mother, rejection of the identity of the newborn.
2. Lack of gender identity: inadequate relationship with the parent having the same sex.
3. Confusion of roles: False protection of the child or girl, or what is known as maternal overprotection.
4. Sexual, psychological, physical, emotional, verbal abuse.

Therefore, there is no such thing as, “I am trapped in a body that is not mine.” Activists will come and go, voices will be raised and shut, Governments will seek popularity and others will oppose to these groups as the well-known LGTBI. But there is something that will remain and is unmovable – nature. Nature itself teaches us that animals were created male and female. An so was the human being! We were created men and women. Otherwise, we would not have reached as far to this point in history, if it was not for the natural reproduction between men and women. The family is made up of a man, the head of every household; and of a woman, his help mate; who reproduce and have sons and daughters who will extend their territory and will be honored by the communities they live in.

God, Creator of heavens and earth, of the whole universe, is the one who wisely created men and women. There is no other way to reproduce ourselves, so that together we broaden our lands and rule the earth. We need the strength of the warrior man and hero, his impetus to explore and investigate, his protective heart and desire to provide for his family. And undoubtedly, the beauty and tenderness of the woman, whose heart is reliable, her spirit selfless, and her love inexhaustible for those around her, and certainly, her immortal hope.

In God’s wisdom, “He created mankind in his own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27) The Lord’s original purpose was to create us with a heart that reflects His own attributes; however, due to sin, this heart has been broken and many human beings who have not reconciled with God, Their Creator, are far from reflecting those attributes.

Sadly and only as an example, the LGTBI population in the United States reached 4.5% (Gallup, 2017). And in the United Kingdom, the number of lesbians, gays and bisexuals reached just over 1,000,000 (ONS, 2017), and so we could address so many more examples, but this is not today’s purpose.
Instead, it is an invitation to you to take some time and think deeply in your hearts about so many lives destroyed and faded, notwithstanding they pretend the opposite: strength, lots of energy, with a spirit of tireless struggle for “their rights” and that they withstand, at all costs, to be “rejected.”

And in fact, the key word is “rejection.” Perhaps, deep inside their hearts lie deep wounds of rejection, abuse, contempt that need to be healed.

My invitation, if we are close to boys or girls, like those girls in my story in whom we clearly notice a confused spirit, is to extend our helping hand to lift them up, let us be that light that shines in the midst of their darkness and above all, let us give them that embrace they need so much so that they feel they are accepted, that even though their closest relatives have rejected them, God, their Creator is ready to embrace them and begin to heal their wounds no matter how complex and incurable they may seem.

“This is what the Lord says: Your wound is incurable, your injury beyond healing…But I will restore you to health, and heal your wounds, declares the Lord”. (Jeremiah 30:12,17a)

 

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