“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1: 1).
MERELY FIVE WORDS, but they say so much, “ln the beginning God created. » What should these ancient words mean to a Christian? In particular, what practical usefulness can they have today to those living in a world that differs greatly from what it was when it was made by the Creator’s hands? What do they mean to a father who does not know where he will get money with which to feed his children? To a young person who is currently struggling to overcome addiction?
To someone who is sick, afflicted, lonely?
“In the beginning God created…” These five words mean that everything begins with God. The Scriptures do not explain how, but it is enough to know that the beginning of the universe, and especially life on this planet, is personal. We are not the result of an impersonal beginning that in the course of millions of years, governed by random laws, ended in the appearance of life. No. An almighty Being thought of
us, and created us in His image and likeness. Considering that He did not need us in order to exist, why did He create us? Because “God is love” (1 John 4:8). And that love is not because we loved God, but because He first loved us (v. 10).
“In the beginning God created.” What do those five words imply? Two things, among others. One is mentioned by John Stott when he writes that the Bible’s religion is a religion about a God who always takes the initiative; a God whom we can never take by surprise, because He is always there from “the beginning.
Before we came into existence, writes Stott, God was already there, “in the beginning.” Before we sought Him, He was already seeking us. Isn’t that wonderful? When we deserved to die for our sins, God was already there, “in the beginning,” providing a Substitute, the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13.8). When, feeling tired of wandering through this world, we decided to look for God, He had already taken the initiative to look for us. And He found us!
The other implication is: if God was present “in the beginning” of all things, isn’t it also reasonable to think He will be present at the end of this world’s history? And if, as the Scriptures say, God was the one who began the good work in us (see Philippians 1:6), isn’t it reasonable to think He Himself all make sure He finishes it?
Thank You, Father. because you are “in the beginning” of all good things.
In Christ’s name, I ask You to complete the work you began in me.
John Stott, Basic Christianity (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William Eerdmans, 1971), p. 1
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Colaboradores: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
