Re-creation
Genesis 2:7 & Acts 2:1-4
Genesis 2:7 (NRSV): 7 then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
- Imago Dei and Human Dignity: the giving of divine breath is connected to the reason we were created.
- Taking care of all that had been created (STEWARDSHIP)
- Making correct decisions (JUSTICE)
- Relationship with God (ALEGIANCE)
- To be morally correct, you must relate to the divine source
- Genesis 3:19 …for dust you are, and dust you shall return…
- The curse now makes our lives finite, not eternal
- A promise is given that we will get His breath back
Throughout the Old Testament, the breath of God was given to very few, and they would become judges and prophets.
Acts 2:1–4 (NRS): 2 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
- Fulfilled Jesus’ promise in Act 1:8
- Acts 1:8 (NIV): 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
- Sound of WIND returning violently (Greek pnoe is the same as ruach in Hebrew)
- Tongues of Fire = purification and precense (burning bush)
- Filled with the Holy Spirit- fulfills Joel’s prophecy
- Joel 2:28–29 (NRSV): 28 Then afterward
I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
and your young men shall see visions.
- even on the male and female slaves,
in those days I will pour out my spirit.
- Pay attention to this prophecy (men and women will be filled, along with Jews and Gentiles)
There is also the end of another curse: Speaking in other languages removes Genesis 11, to promote the church to gather in unity with the right purposes.