Episode 16 - Does God practice social-distancing?

Note: This is a sidetrack from our regular series through the Gospel of John

With all the chaos we’re experiencing with this pandemic, I couldn’t help but reflect on recent discussions I’ve had with friends about the “social-distancing” requirements and how we are to limit our contact and proximity to other people for the stated purpose of limiting the spread of this terrible virus. It makes a lot of sense and I appreciate the effort to stop this as soon as possible. 

However, one downside of this is that grandparents can’t hug their grandkids. Friends and relatives often communicate over digital communication means or wave through a window, but they can’t be together in the manner they prefer and even need. The tech is better than nothing. But, it doesn’t replace a hug from someone you love. There is something special about that.

It got me thinking today how closely this parallels some interesting things evident from stories of the Bible and the concept of a relationship between God and humanity. A couple of things jump out at me that I find quite fascinating.

First, according to the “Creation” account that we find in the very first chapter of Genesis ( the first book in the Bible ) is when God creates the universe, it states that God chose to make humanity in “His image.” (Gen. 1:26) What does that mean? Well, I think at the very least it means that humanity is more “like” the Creator than any other living being.

Secondly, in the detailed account of the creation of humanity given in the second chapter, we see that the Creator doesn’t just speak and create humans, He fashions the first human out of the dust of the ground and breathes life into him. Do you see the picture that evokes in your mind? God is not social-distancing. God appears to be present with this human and there’s a sense of personal connection involved in this act. In a different, but no less personal way, God fashions the second human from the flesh of the first human. Again, there is an image of relationship not only between God and the first human but a mutual connection between God and all humanity and among humanity itself. 

Third, the relationship appears to have been an ongoing interaction or fellowship. How do we know that? As we continue through this story in the early chapters, we read that God gives these humans only one prohibitive command as well as the consequences if they were to disobey God. They disobey anyway and experience shame with the guilt and they attempt to hide from God. It’s like a child who’s done something their parent told them not to do and they know they’re going to get caught. So, they try to hide. Look at what it says, “ And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.” (Gen. 3:8) My argument is if they recognized the sound of the LORD God walking, they’d heard it before. It was a familiar sound. But, now that they’ve done something to violate the trust and in their shame, they decide to practice “social-distancing.” 

I could think of a number of applications from this story and these ideas I’ve suggested. But, what most impressed me as I thought about it is the desire and intention the Creator has to have fellowship with mankind. Some people may believe that, if there is a god, it is an impersonal power or force that is responsible for the existence of the natural universe. But, I think this narrative explains a God that cares about life and especially about humanity. This lends itself to purpose and value for living,  doesn’t it? Furthermore, it helps explain the significance of the Christian narratives concerning Jesus of whom was said to be Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” 

I hope you will be encouraged to know that God cares about people and about you personally. 

Feel free to contact me if you have questions at favesofdave@gmail.com