The Conclusion

 

The more you study the ancient Hebrew people, their culture, language, and especially, the scripture, the more they are appreciated.

 

One of the most poignant lessons you take away is that concerning classical Hebrew poetry for it is quite different from our contemporary forms.  Whereas we tend to express ourselves in meaningful rhyme, words that sound the same or similar, the writers of scripture, moved by the Spirit of God wrote poetry that was based upon the association of stark contrasts and/or similitudes in meaning. 

With that in mind, this is the poetry we have now seen in Genesis –

  • The first Adam was rebellious to His loving Father; the Last Adam (Christ) was obedient -- both died as a result.
  • For love, the first Adam died with his bride; for love, the Last Adam died for His bride.
  • Burdened with sin, the first Adam was shown the door out of paradise; burdened with sin, the Last Adam became the door into Paradise. 
  • The first ark was covered with ‘atonement’ (the literal meaning of the word for pitch); the ‘last ark’ (the cross) was covered with the atoning blood of the Lamb. Both mean(t) salvation for every kind of creature -- Jew and Gentile. 

On and on the poetry of God continues.  And it includes you and me.  “For we are His workmanship (literally ‘poema’ or poetry) created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”      Eph 2:10  

 

Like the first Adam, we stand dead in our sin, cast out of the presence of our loving Father, lest we perish before Him or live forever in rottenness.  Yet we are His poetry, for the complementing  contrast-can now be written upon our hearts -- God made a way, a door from the Tribulation of this world into the Glorious peace of His presence.

 

Jesus said, “I am the door.  If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved...” John 10:9  And, “Come unto Me all you (Jew and Gentile -- Eph 2: 14-18) who are weary and heavy laden (in tribulation) and I will give you rest (the meaning of the name Noah). Take My yoke upon you (walk with Me as a pair, two by two, into the Father’s presence) and learn from Me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest (Noah) for your souls.” Mat 11:28,29

 

Yes, we are His poetry, both by contrast and, if you are in Him, in His presence, by similitude.  For all who believe in Jesus, though we were, by contrast, in sin and death, we have this promise -- “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He (Jesus) is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:1

 

From the Creation to the Covenant, we see the commitment of our God.  He alone is faithful.  From the void of nothingness, through the consequences of bad choices, in the midst of catastrophic confusion, to the cleansing trials of tribulation, in the tests of patience, the Father is there, the Son is there, and the Spirit is there. 

 

The diligent student of scripture will discover God’s character, His foreknowledge, His plan, His poetry and His love - all divinely spoken, divinely written, and divinely portrayed.  

 

If you have only known the ‘contrast’ yet long for the ‘completing similitude’ of your Father, your Creator to be in your own life, the way back into the perfect Eden is open. 

 

You can come in.  You can leave the floods of tribulation behind, the catastrophes of this life, and find new hope.  Just open the door of your own heart in sincere prayer and invite Christ in - agree with God about your sinful state - don’t be like Adam or Eve who simple sought to blame someone else, or like Cain who didn’t care.

 

Christ rose from the dead and sits at the Father’s right hand continually interceding on your behalf.  He loves you so much.  Won’t you let Him complete His poetry, His workmanship in your life?  Come into the Ark.

 

Lord, you are worthy of all of our love and trust.  You’re worthy of our all, period.  Open our eyes that we may behold wondrous things out of your Word.  Draw us near to You through your Son.  May we be submitted to your divine plan, and obedient to the voice of Your Holy Spirit. “Even so, come Lord Jesus.”