Dirty Hands

Does God have dirty hands? That was my question as I wrestled back control of the yard work after several rainy days. There is a certain satisfaction in seeing hands caked with dirt from yard work.

In Genesis 2:7 we learn that God "formed man of the dust from the ground." The Hebrew word for "formed" is the same word used by Isaiah to describe a potter working the clay. If you have ever watched a potter at the wheel, you know it is a very dirty, hands on job.

But then we also read in Genesis 2:8 that God planted the Garden of Eden. Man was simply asked to care for the garden. It was God who designed and planted it. Why would we think He did all these things from a distance, instead of physically present?

Maybe that's one reason I enjoy working in the garden so much. Caring for God's creation was our first occupation, and it was good. Sin had yet to destroy. Maybe it's just my weird way of seeing things, but I can imagine Adam and God working the soil together, with dirty hands.

When I think of God and his love for us, it is not from a remote, uncaring deity. We are his creation, formed and reformed by His very hands. God is not removed from us, but we have run from Him. As Hebrews 10:31says, "It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God." I'm thankful God is not afraid to get his hands dirty, remaining involved in the affairs of men.