We have probably all read the creation story a gazillion times. This time, read it through the lens of our week’s theme which is “Our Majestic and Gracious God.” Wrapping our heads around what God did for us by giving us life, companionship, provision, and beauty to enjoy is so basic we often forget how precious.
What speaks to you in today’s reading? I love how it starts, “In the beginning God…” Everything that comes from the beginning starts with God. God is the creator of all things, the artist of his own masterpiece. Similarly, in the Gospel of John, we read in Chapter 1, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
To me, that’s a beautiful picture of Father and Son putting the finishing touches on all that exists! This reading in Genesis tells us the whole trinity was present. “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.”
Such a majestic and gracious act! How fitting that our powerful God would merely speak everything into existence. We see, “then God said” each time he pronounced something new. Such a clever and creative God. It can be mind boggling when you think of how intricate the design of our world really is. Take some time to marvel on some of the beauty around you today.
This is the creation story I choose to put my faith in. I believe our wise God is more than capable of crafting all that we see here, including humans in his own image. Even mosquitos had God’s seal of approval! For each new element of creation, “God saw that it was good.” God was pleased with his handiwork. What’s our response? We can merely stand in awe.
Going back to our reflections from yesterday. Remember that God created you, too. Let God’s words of pleasure sweep over you. You are “very good.” God is so very pleased with his creation.
When we think about God’s creation of man, have you ever wondered what God meant when he said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.” It helps to remember that the trinity (God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit) were present at creation when we see reference to “us.”
What goes through your mind when you think of yourself being in the “image” of God? Take time to listen and let God speak to your heart today on this one. Know that you are precious to him and loved by him. Note that after he made man, what he saw was “very good”!
Let’s pray. Father, each time I think of how complex and vast the world is, my mind explodes just a little. Your majesty and grace astound me and bring me to my knees. Thank you for loving me and providing all this beauty to enjoy. Help me to be a good steward of your creation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
