We are doing this by categorizing each passage according to a pattern of life that we all should recognize (read like a “V” – descending, then ascending):
God unifies. God restores.
God commands. We repent.
Satan tempts. God loves no matter what.
We disobey. God judges.
We split and divide. God warns.
Remember, it is not too late. But we know neither the day nor the hour, so it is likely later than we think. If we did think it was very late, we would be convicted to repent of our disunity!
Of the 160 verses of Scripture in the first 6 chapters of Genesis, 102 of them refer to the ten categories above, which we will use for every mile of this journey. There is enough in just this section for a full book on unity! But we do not have the luxury of length here, so I will try to summarize. But promise me you will go and find these hints and celebrate the majesty and glory of the One Unified God. Find the 14 times someone disobeys and disunifies!
By far the majority, though, 63 of the 102 refer to the truth of God’s unity, his commands, and his undying love that has no limits. Unity is present from the fourth word written the Bible – God is plural yet one, perfect unity. This plurality of unity is confirmed when the Spirit hovers over the deep in the Bible’s second verse and later when he says, “Let us create…”
If you do nothing else today, go back as I did as read John 17:20-21, which precedes Jesus’s words about perfect unity: “…that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in you, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe…” (NASB). Unity is not about ending conflict among disputing institutions. It is about you and me being one with the great “We.” If we truly did that, the conflicts we know would disappear in a heartbeat.
Now go read about Adam, Eve, Cain, and Lamech and their choices to defy the commands of God. Look once more at the “V” above and then ask yourself who repented and was then restored?
You will find that only one repented (Genesis 6:6).
Only God repented and grieved. There was to be no restoration at that time.
Next Time: Genesis 7 – 16: From Noah to Abram. Read ahead!