I really love Philip Yancey's notes in "Meet the Bible" for Genesis chapter two.
"After presenting the cosmic view in chapter 1, Genesis repeats the story of creation, narrowing the focus to human beings. We alone, of all God's works, are made 'in God's image.' People have disagreed over the years on what, exactly that phrase 'image of God' means. Is it immortality? Intelligence? Creativity? Relationship? Perhaps the best way to understand is to think of 'the image of God' as a mirror. God created us so that when he looked upon us, he would see reflected something of himself.
Nothing else God created contains that same image of himself. Alone of all creation, human beings received the very breath of life from God. Genesis declares that human beings, in God's eyes, possess a value far beyond other living things. Similarly, humans have value that can never be equaled - even by today's increasingly powerful computers, no matter how intelligent and lifelike.
Genesis 2 shows human history just getting under way. Marriage begins here: even in a state of perfection, Adam feels loneliness and desire, and God provides woman. From then on, marriage takes priority over all other relationships. Work begins here too: Adam is set in a role of authority over the animals and plants. Ever since, humans have had a kind of mastery over the rest of creation.
Only the slightest hint of foreboding clouds this blissful scene of Paradise. It appears in verse 17, in the form of a single negative command from God. Adam enjoys perfect freedom with this one small exception - a test of obedience.
Throughout history, artists have tried to re-create in words and images what a perfect world would look like, a world of love and beauty, a world without guilt or suffering or shame. Genesis 1-2 describes such a world. For a time in Genesis, peace reigns. When God looks at all he has created, he pays humanity its highest compliment, 'Very good,' he pronounces. Creation is now complete."
Then in this shortened Bible it asks questions. For today it says, "Think about a close friend or family member. In what way does this person reflect God? Does some quality or personality trait speak of what God must be like?"
The person that I think of is my mom. She is warm, caring, and very funny. She used to be artistic, but she has Alzheimer's/Dementia which has sort of messed that part up. I know God as loving, full of unconditional love, and He is the Ultimate Creator so of course He is creative. I don't really think of God as having a sense of humor, but He must have a very good sense of humor come to think of it, since one of His gifts is joy.
In my Bible with Joyce Meyer commentary she has a lot to say about this part. I am going to copy for you some of it.
A Very Creative God
"I could go on and on about how diverse and imaginative God was in creation, but I am sure, if you think about it, you will agree that our God is awesome not only in His power and His love, but also in His creativity.
Simply take a walk and look around. Watch something about nature on a video or on television. Find out what is in the ocean, or learn about how bees and flowers work together. Then realize that the same Holy Spirit present at Creation is living inside you if you have truly accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior."
She goes on to say, "He is a creative God; His creativity did not stop in the Garden of Eden, but is still active today as He continues to shape and refine the wonderful creation He is making in you!"
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