Saturday, 6^th January 2024

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: O, MAN – THE RATIONAL AND INTELLECTUAL ONE

THEME SCRIPTURE: “And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.”– Genesis 2:19

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Did God intend that man should be intelligent?

 

Yeah, Rudyard Kipling was right when he wrote in his commentary that, “Oh, Adam was a gardener, and God made him see that half a proper gardener’s work is done upon his knees.” The remaining half, as far as Adam [man] is concerned, requires that he uses his head. So, “Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof” (Gen 2:19). Two things are revealed here. First God did the forming of the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air. But He chose to cooperate with man. So, He gave Adam the opportunity to name all the animals created. Secondly, God placed man’s mental capacity to test. This might have been hard work, to look at every animal and coin a name for it. It required some observation and mental analysis, as well as the caution to make sure no two animals carry the same name. Interestingly, whatever Adam called each animal that was the name thereof.

Every being created in the image of God has been given a mental faculty to demonstrate intellectual and rational capabilities.

Further, God expects the man created in His image to use his mind in addition to his strength and his faith. A case is recorded in 1 Kings 13. God sent a prophet with specific instructions to go to Bethel and prophesy against King Jeroboam and the evil altars he has raised. This prophet was to eat no bread or drink no water in Bethel, and neither must he return by the same way he went. Though powerful his ministry, he did not use his head. He went about telling aloud that God has instructed him not to eat or drink in Bethel. He forgot this—if God wanted him to tell the city what He has told him in private He would have added it to the instructions. When an old prophet in town heard of the ministry of this young prophet and knowing what God has instructed him in private, he brought a fake prophesy to this young prophet, to come to his house and eat bread and drink water. He added that an angel of the Lord appeared to him to help him find something to eat. It was all false and this young prophet fell into this trap because he did not use his head. If God gives you specific instructions for Bethel, even if He changes his mind, can’t God speak to you directly as He did before the start of the assignment? The young prophet ate, drank and died in Bethel because he disobeyed the Lord his God. 

Beloved, there’s a growing concern that faith does away with reasoning. Such that some post-modern Christians, well-educated and being genuine seekers, have been exploited and shipwrecked.

But you, O man of His image; born of His Spirit, never forget this: “God is not interested in the riches of our spirit coupled with the ignorance of our minds and weakness in our body.”  God expects you to physically proper [be successful] and be in health even as your soul prospers (3 John 1:2).

Beloved, this year use your mind, not in a way to exploit others but to ensure that you’re not tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive (Eph 4:14). Use your mental faculty, beloved, not in a way as deceivers and con men do. But rather, ensure that you study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who needs not to be ashamed but rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). Brethren, use your head in addition to your heart because faith is not delusional. Faith is consistent and coherent with revealed truth. Throughout scripture, God has spoken, revealing Himself in a consistent way. And putting all together, God’s revealed truth, everything points towards, and testify of Jesus (John 5:39).

Use the mind precious one, because you’re a rational and intellectual being.

Remain blessed.

 

FURTHER READING – Genesis 2:15-20

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How conscious are you in using your mind in your faith walk?

 

CONFESSION

Precious Father, thank you for the gift of the mind. I affirm that Christ has become unto me God’s wisdom. As a result, my thoughts are superior, and my mind produces remarkable results. I use my mind everyday. Hallelujah!

 

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Genesis 11; Genesis 12, Psalms 14; Psalms 15; Psalms 16; Matthew 8