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IN THE BEGINNING GOD
My journey to read the Bible and to better Know God began in Genesis 1. My plan was to get through Chapter 1, but as I started to read, I got stuck right here on Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God. I must have read this line a thousand times, a text I usually pass over quickly, taking for granted that God is the Creator and we are His creatures. But it was this reading, at this moment, that I realized I had completely missed the message from God about Himself contained in this one little verse. Reading it this time brought forth new insights and a deeper intimacy with Him.
Scripture
Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Lessons Learned
Good writers know that the opening line of a book must capture the reader’s attention, whet their appetite for more, and compel them to read on. The mood and the theme are introduced, and the main character’s nature, point of view, and voice are established.
The Bible’s opening doesn’t begin with a long preamble or introductory statement. Instead, we are thrust into the Biblical story, with the opening line, “In the beginning God,” which grounds God’s existence as a foregone conclusion. The Bible doesn’t set out to discuss or defend God’s existence and authority. It simply states as fact that God was and God is. God alone was and existed before the heavens and earth, man and the hosts of angels, and even before time itself. “In the beginning God” also gives us the assurance, confidence, and faith in the God who is (Revelation 21:6). “In the beginning God” affirms His dependence on nothing outside of Himself. It declares that there never was a time when God did not exist, and there never will be a time when He will not be. “In the beginning God” created everything out of nothing, spoke and it was so, formed man from the dust of the earth, and breathed into humanity the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). “In the beginning God” is a bold declaration of God, His power and His wisdom (Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31).
Lessons Lived
A story that ends in the same place it began is typically called a cyclical narrative. So we can characterize the Bible as a cyclical narrative, a story that begins and ends with God (Genesis 1:1, Revelation 22:20- 21). And this is how our story, in the light of God’s story, should be as well. Our stories should begin and end with God, for without God, our lives have no meaning, no hope. The middle of our story would simply be filled with pointless drama and action.
So the beginning and the end of our stories are covered. The middle is where we come in and serve as co-authors. It’s here in the middle where we reach the climax or turning point of our stories and where our values will be tested. It’s here where we decide if we will live for the protagonist or the antagonist. Life in the middle is our time to shine!
And if the middle of your story is good, it will serve as a witness to others. They’ll be curious to know how your story began, and they’ll look forward to how it might end.
“In the beginning God” should give you the courage to make the middle of your story great! Make the middle matter. Choose to be on the winning side and live in the middle in confident trust of the One who paged your beginning and the One who has secured your ending.
A story that ends in the same place it began is typically called a cyclical narrative. So we can characterize the Bible as a cyclical narrative, a story that begins and ends with God (Genesis 1:1, Revelation 22:20- 21). And this is how our story, in the light of God’s story, should be as well. Our stories should begin and
end with God, for without God, our lives have no meaning, no hope. The middle of our story would simply be filled with pointless drama and action.
So the beginning and the end of our stories are covered. The middle is where we come in and serve as co-authors. It’s here in the middle where we reach the climax or turning point of our stories and where our values will be tested. It’s here where we decide if we will live for the protagonist or the antagonist. Life in the middle is our time to shine!
And if the middle of your story is good, it will serve as a witness to others. They’ll be curious to know how your story began, and they’ll look forward to how it might end.
“In the beginning God” should give you the courage to make the middle of your story great! Make the middle matter. Choose to be on the winning side and live in the middle in confident trust of the One who paged your beginning and the One who has secured your ending.
Reflections
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- How does Genesis 1:1 speak to you?
- What are your thoughts regarding God being the beginning and the ending of your life story? ∙ What characteristics of God are most meaningful to you? Site Bible verses to support your characterizations.
- How might you “live in the middle” to secure your ending with God?
- What are your personal LIFE Lessons?
- Liberation: What new insights have you gained that have freed you from past thoughts or practices?
- Inspiration: In what ways have you been spiritually, emotionally or mentally motivated to live for Christ?
- Fortification: What additional scriptural texts, passages or stories can reinforce and strengthen you against the attacks of the enemy?
- Edification: How might you share your story to edify others and bring glory to God?
Playlist
As you process, digest, and apply what’s been shared, here are a couple of songs from my playlist that remind me of Who God Is. Listen and allow the music to infiltrate your soul. Read the lyrics and let the words encourage you. And I pray that you’ll be blessed as I was.
- God of Wonder by Third Day Worship – God Of Wonders Third Day Worship Video w lyrics
- Our God is an Awesome God by Rich Mullins – Our God is an Awesome God!
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, You, oh Lord, are the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who shows no partiality (Deuteronomy 10:17). You are abundant in strength, and your understanding is infinite (Psalm 147:5). I will extol You, my God, O King, and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forevermore. You are great, my Lord, and greatly to be praised (Psalm 145:1-3). You are alpha and omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 21:6), and I put my trust in You! In Your most holy name Jesus, I pray, Amen.