Hosting His Presence: rediscovering the Bible VII – Eve

And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
Genesis 2:18 (King James Version)

Before woman was created, God entrusted man with the responsibility of caring for and working in the Garden of Eden. However, recognising that it was not good for man to be alone, God decided to create a suitable helper for him. Taking one of man’s ribs, God formed woman and brought her to man, completing and complementing him.

A woman carries within her the missing part that God intended for her to be with, highlighting that her role is not that of a slave but a helper to fulfil the shared destiny of herself and her companion. The purpose of their union, as ordained by God, is unity. Genesis 2:22 emphasises the creation of woman from man’s rib and her presentation to him.

Understanding this concept requires divine revelation. The decision to marry is meant to come from God, not solely from man. If men and women recognised that God is the ultimate matchmaker, the world would be more peaceful. Patience and trust in God’s timing are essential for finding the person one was created to be with, as illustrated by the use of man’s rib to create woman.

God prepared the woman for the man; man had no active role in this process. However, since the fall in the Garden of Eden, men have deviated from their intended purpose, leading to corrupted relationships and unhealthy desires.

The role of a man

In contemporary times, it is unfortunate that some people may not consistently fulfil their responsibilities, reminiscent of the historical event in which Adam unfortunately neglected his duty, leading to the deception of Eve by the serpent.

Women must be self-aware and recognise that even though some men have neglected their responsibilities, that does not mean women should take over. Whether at work, at church, or in any other position, it is important to acknowledge and respect the role of a man.

Man was initially entrusted with tending the entire garden, and woman was brought in later to assist and support the gardener. As a woman, it is crucial to know your place and exercise your authority appropriately when a man is involved.

Remember that each person is accountable for his or her own actions. Overstepping boundaries can be tempting, particularly when a man neglects his responsibilities. This might help clarify the apparently conflicting instructions from Paul, in which he states that women should remain silent in church (1 Corinthians 14:34-35) yet acknowledges instances of women praying and prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5). These verses offer guidance on striking a balance, allowing women to express themselves while respecting male headship.

When a man fails to fulfil his responsibilities, that often compels a woman to take up roles for which she may not be fully prepared. However, these situations can serve as opportunities for personal growth and character development, leading to the manifestation of the fruits of the Spirit and becoming more Christ-like.

May such instances of exercising dominance be viewed as teachable moments, unplanned but fleeting opportunities to become a woman after God’s own heart.

Jasmin Zubida Baidoo

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