A Brief Look at the Beginning

Before embarking on our studies in the treasures of the Old Testament, may we stand on the threshold at the beginning. We will not engage here on the high-level discussions (arguments?) pertaining to the six days, big bang, etc. Rather, let us just enjoy the simple beauty of the ancient description of how it all began.

In Genesis 1:1 we read that God created (Heb, bara) the heavens and the earth. The word, bara, certainly affirms that God brought everything that exists into being. However, the word has also a wider meaning as used in other places in the Old Testament. It carries the sense of “arranging, fashioning, placing in order”. This thought is further presented in the following verse: “The earth was without form, and void”. That is, the substance was there (for how long, we do not know), but it lacked order and was unfinished.

It appears that this mass of material was covered with water (vs.2 – Spirit was hovering over the face of the waters). This may present the image of a conceived child in the womb of its mother. At some point, God chose to arrange, fashion, order these elements into the magnificent universe which we have the privilege of beholding and enjoying and through which the glory of God is manifest (Ps. 19:1). So, He spoke the word; the Word engaged the Spirit and the material came alive!

As we read on, we find an amazing revelation of the process of this creation and a lesson we can remember as the same God works in our lives to bring them into order – into the likeness of God Himself.

Let us think again of the six days and how they relate to the whole.

               Building                                                                          Filling

Day 1 –  Light and Darkness                                            Day 4 – Sun, Moon and Stars

Day 2 – Skies and Seas                                                    Day 5 – Birds and Fish

Day 3 – Land and Vegetation                                          Day 6 – Animals and Man

We can readily see here that God, on the first three days arranged and fashioned a world (cosmos) of order and beauty which could serve as a meaningful environment or habitation for occupants. Then, on the next three days, He introduced those inhabitants into their places. That is, God first built and then filled. What He built would sustain what would fill and when He filled, He gave meaning to what He built.

This principle is manifest as He made the garden of Eden and placed man in it; as He prepared lands for the Patriarchs and sent them there; as He made the green pastures and led the sheep there (Psalm 23); as He sent Joseph to Egypt and later brought his family; (here we could go on); as He prepared the Virgin Mary, the elder Joseph, Bethlehem the Star, and then, in the fulness of time, sent His Son. Again, you and I can think of so many ways He has built so He could fill.

Even for us, our loving God has formed us in our mother’s womb in His image and given us bodies to live in His world. He has showered us with amazing grace, filled us with unending love by the Holy Spirit. He has built His Church on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets to give us a place of forgiveness, healing and hope. Finally, Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us and will come again to receive us as His bride to live forever in His presence.

From Genesis 1:1 (“God created”) to Revelation 22:20 (“Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”) may the Lord be praised.

Asking your prayers,

Fr. Andrew and Kh. Dannie