In The Beginning-Day 1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ~Genesis 1:1

“God” – Elohim (plural, denoting the Trinity at work in Creation). This name for God denotes His majesty, sovereignty, and authority.

DIGGING DEEPER: Psalm 102:25-27a; Isaiah 40:28-29

“Created” – literally means to make out of nothing. In the Bible this word is used exclusively for God. In contrast, when humans create something, we have tools and supplies. We’re incapable of creating something from nothing.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ~Genesis 1:1
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DIGGING DEEPER: Hebrews 11:3; Isaiah 45:18

“Heavens” – space; infinite universe.

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. ~Genesis 1:2

What is being described here is chaos. The earth was formless, without shape, unorganized, empty, and dark.

“Spirit of God” – Here we see a second member of the Trinity at work in Creation in the Holy Spirit. Remember that Elohim, the name of God used in this passage, is plural, indicating the work of the Trinity.

“Hovering” – I love the picture painted here–one of a mother protecting her baby. Though God is our Father, He is sometimes described with motherly attributes as in this verse. The -ing use of the word denotes a continuing action.

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness over the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering...
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DIGGING DEEPER: Deuteronomy 32:11, Matthew 23:27, Psalm 91:4

In The Beginning-Day 1

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ~Genesis 1:3

Time began with the creation of light. When we stop to truly consider what light is and what it does, this first aspect of creation is monumental. Without light, life cannot exist. Without light, there is no vision. Light can overcome darkness, but darkness cannot extinguish light. (If you don’t believe this, go into a completely dark room and light a candle!)

In the Digging Deeper verses below, we learn that Jesus is light. By creating light, God is giving of Himself!

“And God said…and there was” – Here is the third member of the Trinity at work in Creation, the pre-incarnate Christ, the Word (John 1:1-5). Notice how effortless the process of Creation is for Almighty God. He spoke, and it was. A writer friend of mine on Facebook recently posted the sweetest story about her young son, who summed up creation perfectly: “First there was nothing. Then there was everything.”

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ~Genesis 1:3
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DIGGING DEEPER:  John 1:1-5; Colossians 1:15

God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. ~Genesis 1:4-5

“Good” – God was creating Paradise. From the first day of Creation, God provided everything man would need to live.

“Called”  – As God assigned names to His Creation, he indicates His Lordship and ownership.

Without #light, there's no life or vision. Light can overcome darkness, but darkness cannot...
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DIGGING DEEPER: Genesis 2:19; 1 Kings 23:34

IN THE BEGINNING-DAY 1 – DISCUSSION:

How does God’s initial delight in what He created affect your thoughts about the world, others, and yourself?
In what ways does the use of God’s name, Elohim, in this passage inspire you?
What is your favorite part of day one of creation? Why?
How significant is it to you that God began the work of creation with light?

Video: “Indescribable”

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