Uncover how the four rivers flowing from Eden in Genesis 2 set the stage for the entire biblical narrative, revealing our vocation as a royal priesthood. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore the profound connections between the Old and New Testaments, delving into the significance of the Hebrew words 'avad' and 'shamar' in defining our purpose to "work" and "keep." They discuss how these concepts echo throughout scripture, culminating in Jesus's temptation in the wilderness as a recapitulation of the choices faced in the Garden of Eden. This episode invites you to rediscover what it truly means to be human, transforming your understanding of worship, vocation, and your role in God's grand story.

Key Takeaways: • The Four Rivers of Eden – How the rivers symbolize the empires of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Canaan, setting up the Old Testament story. • Our Royal Priestly Vocation – Discovering what it means to "work" (avad) and "keep" (shamar) as a calling for all humanity. • Hebrew Insights – Understanding how avad and shamar relate to worship and service in the temple. • Jesus's Temptation and the Garden – Exploring the parallels between Jesus in the wilderness and Adam and Eve's choices, and how Jesus fulfills what humanity could not. • Reframing Worship and Vocation – Challenging modern conceptions of worship and ministry, embracing that everything is spiritual and sacred.

Guest Highlights: Seth Erie – Mike's son Seth makes a special appearance, bringing warmth and personal connection to the conversation.

Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 2:10-17 – Link • Numbers 3 – Duties of the priests – Link • Tim Mackie and The BibleProject – Insights on biblical design patterns – The BibleProject • Matthew 4:1-11 – Jesus's temptation in the wilderness – Link • 1 Peter 2:9 – Royal priesthood – Link

Join us in rediscovering our original calling and embrace your role in God's grand narrative. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected and be part of the conversation.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV

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Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy