Created for Biodiversity

Genesis 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground– trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.

We can all agree that the Bible is not a science textbook or a research biologist’s journal.  But when you consider the Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the Bible) was recorded thousands of years before the modern era—even more than a thousand years before Christ—it’s genuinely remarkable what is written. 

Man was formed out the dust of the earth as were the other land animals (Genesis 1:20-25).  Those happened on “Days” 5 and 6.  God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground as part of Third Day gardening.

Biodiversity, a crasis of the words biological and diversity, basically points to the variety of living organisms on Earth and their inherent and amazing variability.   

If you take the Bible as true, as I do, this diversity was designed from the start. 

All kinds of trees.  Pretty trees.  Trees for food.  Some are both. 

All display God’s wisdom, His appreciation for beauty, His preference of diversity over monotony, and His awesome creativity.

And yet, built into the DNA from the very beginning was future biodiversity.  Pretty trees could become varied and more beautiful, even without the help of geneticists and breeders.  Trees for food would develop greater efficiency and production because what was already built into the genetic code made it possible.  It is this pre-programming for functionality and future diversity in DNA that breeders use to feed the world.  God created for biodiversity and future productivity, giving us a clear picture of God’s existence, His wisdom, and His open invitation for mankind to rejoice in his Creator and to use the opportunity for wise stewardship.

Food for thought:

Consider the miracle of the genetic code and how DNA not only governs reproduction but also contributes to biodiversity.

When mankind decided to sin and fell from grace, what happened to the genetic code?  What does that mean for mankind?

Consider Adam and Eve.  One couple chose sin.  From one couple, many nations.  Many nations, One Redeemer, the Lamb (that is, Jesus Christ).   Revelation 5:9 And [the four living creatures and twenty-four elders] sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” 

In what way do we see diversity of people (united by human DNA) affirmed in redemption as an expression of open invitation, even as the means of redemption remains only one Way?