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Friday, February 12, 2010

You are Captivating! That's right - YOU!


Have you ever used that word when thinking about how God sees you? Have you ever wondered what he intended when he made Eve and then you? I am in a ladies study group right now and we are digging deep into the book "Captivating" by John and Staci Eldridge and I am blown away already with the first two chapters. Immediately John and Staci uncover the root of why women crave adventure. They point out that in Gen 1:26-28 (Alter ver) that BOTH Adam and Eve were told to go forth, multiply and conquer the earth. CONQUER! I also see the words "subdue" and "take charge" in other translations of the Bible. The book also explores the order in which we were created. They enlighten us that - first Adam was created, but then something was missing and God created Eve. He revealed through creating her, his relational qualities. He was not finished until he revealed his femininity in her - she was the icing on the cake! Take a minute and imagine God being captivated by you because, He is.

John and Staci also took some time to dive into the Hebrew meaning that is often translated "help-meet". Many of us have heard the old explanation that a woman was created to help her man. Well, in a way, but they dig deeper and come up with a jewel. The Hebrew words "Ezer Kenegdo" were researched by Hebrew scholar Robert Alter and separately by Rabbi Francis Nataf and better translated to mean, "sustainer beside him". "Ezer" can also be translated to mean "lifesaver" and "kenegdo" to mean "alongside". How many times do we fall in love with a book or movie depicting a relationship where one is saved by their "lifesaver-alongside"? How important is that person? I'd say a lot more important than just a handy-helper. You are important ladies! You are captivating lifesavers!

4 comments:

  1. I own this book but haven't had a chance to read it yet. Now I'm even more excited to read it. :-)

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  2. Thanks for the inspiring interpretation. Is there a men's group studying this book? -Angie

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  3. Actally the ladies are planning to study the men's version "Wild At Heart" so we can understand THEM!

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  4. Just beautiful! This really makes me want to go get the book. Thanks :)

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