In the Beginning

In the beginning God (Genesis 1:1)

The account of creation in Genesis talks about the attributes and actions of God. It is a great reminder to begin a new year with God, in every area of our life.

God created (1:1)

God said (1:3)

God separated (1:4)

God called (1:8)

God set them (1:17)

God blessed (1:22)

God commanded (2:15)

1. God created (Genesis 1:1)

The Bible says that before God created, "the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep" (1:2). Knowing this attribute and power of God gives us hope, as it did to Abraham as we see in Romans 4:17, 18; that he believed in God who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist and therefore he hoped against hope and believed. 

Using the same analogy the writer of Hebrews defines faith in Hebrews 11:1 as "by faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible" (11:3).

2. God said (Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26)

John recounts this account and says how the world was created through the Word of God (John 1:1-3). It is His word that has and gives life (John 1:4). 

In this New Year let us heed to His word; listen to His voice. Even as we spend time everyday in the reading and meditation of His word, it will give life to every area of our life.

3. God separated (Genesis 1:4)

The Bible says, "God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness" (Gen 1:4).

There is no account saying that God saw that the darkness was good. Darkness represents sin, bad habits, unpleasant behaviour, etc. Let us allow God to separate this darkness from our life. 

Recounting this creation action Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:6 "For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 

Before saying this Paul talks about the ministry that he has received and for which he has taken four resolutions (2 Cor 4:1,2)

Renounced the shameful things that one hides

Refuse to practice cunningness 

Refuse to falsify God's word

Commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God

What wonderful resolutions that we can take too and live by!

4. God called (Genesis 1:8,10)

God who named the creations and called them by name (Psalm 147:4), has called us too (Isaiah 43:1,2; 49:16).

The great God knows us personally; what a great privilege! When people want to be known by others, by popular people, this is the best of all - we are known by God. 

Let us live this new year in the light of this knowledge that our God knows us in and out and be delivered of every thought that we are not known or not recognized or not loved or not preferred by others.

And let us live in the way we are called by God. Talking about this the Bible talks about how our life needs to emulate the character of Christ. 

5. God set them (Genesis 1:17)

This talks about how God places and sets everything. As we grow in this understanding we can surrender every area of our life to be guided by God and to be placed as He wills. Wherever He places is the best place in earth! For He is good. The Psalmist says that He sets orphans in families (Ps 68:6) which talks about God's concern. 

Paul explains how God has arranged everyone in the church as He chooses (1 Cor 12:18-20). Everyone is called and placed uniquely and we need to respect that; so we don't try to copy or compete but compliment each other to build His kingdom. 

How meaningfully and greatly we can build God's kingdom if only we work together and compliment each other in God's work!

6. God blessed (Genesis 1:22)

God blesses. But it is imperative that we understand the purpose. Paul says in 2 Cor 9:8, "God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work". Blessing in abundance is to share in abundance!

7. God commanded (Genesis 2:15)

The end of the creation account begins with the first commandment. Our lives will be fruitful if we are driven by Word and live in the light and obedience of God's commandments. 

Wish you a God-centered, Word-driven, blessed New Year!