The Bible starts with two chapters that describe the story of creation. This is not only the beginning of the Bible; it is a description of the beginning of the entire universe. In these two chapters we learn important things. First, we learn about God. God is eternal, all powerful, and outside of the creation. Second, we learn that the world we live in is a world that has been ordered by God’s creative powers. It was created “good” and has a clear order to it. Finally, we learn that humans are meant to have a special role in the created world and a special relationship with God. All human beings are made “in God’s image.” Even after the disastrous effects of the fall (which we will read about next), humans are still special and each person has dignity and value. Finally, we see that while humans were created in God’s image and were called “very good”, they have capacity for making terrible choices. The first humans are placed in a garden and directed to enlarge their family and cultivate the earth. (Presumably, they would extend the borders of the Garden in Eden across the earth.) However, there was also a limit placed upon them – they must not move outside of their subordinate role toward God by eating from one particular tree.
Reflect: How do you see the “goodness” of the created world as you look out your window, or as you consider the world around you?
Connect: In the NT, John described a new beginning through the arrival of Jesus – the eternal Son of God in human flesh.
John 1:1-4, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
