10-08-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 8, 2023
God is good! That is a very old and common statement made by people of faith, yet what does it mean for God, in Genesis 1, to declare human beings to be good? The word in ancient Hebrew is towb, and it is used in many different ways in different passages of the Old Testament. But what makes it sort of interesting is the word associated with good, which is the Hebrew word translated as ‘very.’ But in other places, it is translated as greatly, abundantly, or exceedingly. It is interesting how all the other declarations of goodness in Genesis 1 do not have the additional adverb. Only after the creation of certain animals and human beings does the poet of Genesis 1 describe the product of that day of creation as exceedingly good. Next time, some folks will respond to the question, How are you? By saying, “Good,” you correct them and say, “Oh no! You are exceedingly good!” And then say it back to yourself.

Generous Spirit, Holy Source of Life and Love, thank you for the transformative affirmation you provide us in the words of scripture. As some use the Bible as a weapon to tear down and destroy, send me forth with the Good News of your belief that we are exceedingly good. Amen.