Yesterday we celebrated the arrival of 2012. The new year is a time for beginnings. It fosters fresh starts, second chances, and new commitments.
Today, I started a Bible reading plan for 2012. The very first reading of the New Year was the first chapter of Genesis. Genesis records the beginning of everything – when God created the universe, our world, animal life, and mankind. Here’s part of what I read today:
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.2The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.
27 So God created human beings in his own image.
In the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.28 Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”
29 Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.30 And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.” And that is what happened.
31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day.Genesis 1:1-5; 27-31, NLT
This passage tells us about the beginning of beginnings. Genesis does not tell the how of creation, but it certainly makes clear the source of creation: God. He created everything out of nothing! We cannot even began to understand His power and authority. (If you have time, go to your Bible and read the entire first chapter of Genesis.)
What does Genesis 1 teach us about the nature of God? What can we learn about His character and ways from what He did?
If you do not have a plan for reading the Bible this year consider joining the Facebook group “Reading the Bible Together in 2012.” Dozens of people from all over will be using the Chronological Story Bible Reading Plan and encouraging one another to keep with it. There is also a kick-off event today on Facebook. We will be reading Genesis 1 and talking about it there. You are invited to attend!
I finally started this morning (already a day behind – yikes).
You know what I think it interesting about Genesis 1 – verse 26. In both translations I read this morning (NLT and ESV), God is saying: “Then God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” I know it is a tiny word, but He said “us”…
Thank you for hosting the Bible reading group.
Iris, many biblical commentators believe the “us” in Genesis 1 points to the Trinity. At different times in the Bible, creation is attributed to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All three were actively involved in the Creation process!
I think that is so cool 🙂