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

    1. How does Genesis 1:1 speak to you? 
    2. 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.
    3. How might you “live in the middle” to secure your ending with God?
    4. 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. 

Prayer

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