Devotion Corner

Genesis 2:22-23 - And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

It’s a curious truth that all men since Adam have been born of a woman, yet the first woman was made from a man. This ancient and divine ordination of the complimentary roles of man and woman was a beautiful provision from the Lord for a strong, healthy and fruitful world. 

This was also the first surgical operation ever performed, one where God used a rib bone from Adam’s side to form Eve. Interestingly, the floating ribs can regrow to their full length if they are expertly removed by a skilled surgeon. This is when the periosteum (connective tissue sheath surrounding the bone) is left intact, leaving the necessary osteoblasts to build the new bone. This is why rib bone is often used by surgeons for bone grafts. 

God selected this bone as the base for forming Eve, knowing these remarkable regenerative qualities of the ribs. Yet there is also a tremendous spiritual lesson for us in this surgical act. We often do not sacrifice our time, energy, money, resources, etc, to God, in for fear of the permanent loss of the thing we have offered to Him. We live in selfish fear that God will not repay what has been willingly sacrificed in humble service to Him. As many a preacher has noted however, God is no man’s debtor! 

When we are asked to sacrifice or surrender something to God, so that He may move to create something amazing from it, we are to live in faith that that initial loss will be repaid with something far, far greater. Adam gave up a rib, but what he gained from it was a suitable, loving companion. That’s quite the trade in man’s favour! Furthermore, in the amazing grace of God, what Adam was asked to give up for God’s will (a rib), was restored to him anyway in that it would’ve regenerated over time! Isn’t this a wonderful encouragement to each of us today when we are fearful of following God’s will! There may indeed be an initial sacrifice such as a surrender of goods, wealth, health, or our selfish will. Yet if we have belief that God is able to do something amazing with that humble offering, we can rest assured the result of that sacrifice will be immense! 

This lesson, this statement of God’s power and grace, is seen again and again throughout the Scriptures. Let’s remind ourselves of this hope-filled statement every day through earnest study of His Word. Then, we will have the courage and humility to trust that what we surrender to the will of God, He will use to create wonders that reach far beyond our wildest dreams! Amen.