In the Beginning

August 26, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” John 1:1-2

 

     I remember as a child wondering how God could have always existed. Maybe you too have questioned, “If God made the world, then where did God come from?”

 

     When we consider the nature of God and the origin of the universe, such questions need not puzzle our tiny brains. Rather, they can point us to appreciate the power and majesty of God, much like the prophet Isaiah, “With whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?’ asks the Holy One. Look up into the heavens! Who created all these stars? As a shepherd leads his sheep, calling each by its pet name, and counts them to see that none are lost or strayed, so God does with stars and planets!  Isaiah 40:25-26 TLB Isaiah describes God’s power to create. God is almighty and all-powerful, but even so, He cares for each one of us personally. No person or thing can be compared to God.

 

     The Bible clearly states the universe had a beginning. Genesis means “beginnings” or “origin,” and it unfolds the record of the beginning of the world, by first revealing the nature of God; as Creator. All at once, we see Him crafting the world in a majestic display of power and purpose. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” That simple statement is one of the most challenging concepts confronting the human mind. The vast galaxy we live in is spinning at the incredible speed of 490,000 miles an hour! But even at this breakneck speed, our galaxy still needs 200 million years to make one rotation. And scientist claim, there are over one billion other galaxies just like ours. Some even say that the number of stars in creation, are equal to all the grains - of all the sands - on all the beaches - of all the world. Yet this complex sea of spinning stars function with remarkable order. Do you often praise God for this wonderful universe?

 

     Who made God? To ask that question, we would have to assume there was another creator before God. Everything that begins to exist must have a cause, right? Wrong! There are many things that exist that are uncaused - such as mathematical truths and the laws of logic. God by definition does not need a cause – he is uncaused. God is that infinite Being who has always been – always will be - and who was created by no one. It’s difficult for finite minds to comprehend what is infinite. For example, what is the highest number? It doesn’t even exist, so there is no point in trying to figure out what it is.

 

     What caused God? “What caused the self-existent, uncaused Cause, who is by definition un-makeable, to exist? There are some things that are just too difficult to think through – so don’t try.

 

     How can God be eternal? While our human minds struggle to comprehend how God has always existed, we need only trust that He has and He will forevermore.

 

     The Word (Jesus, God’s Son), became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 Because Jesus is God, He lives forever. Even before the world began, Jesus lived with God, and He will reign forever with Him.

 

     The Bible not only tells us that the world was created by God; more important, it tells us who God is. It reveals God’s personality, His character, and His plan for His creation. It also reveals God’s deepest desire: to relate to and have fellowship with the people He created (you and me). God took the ultimate step toward fellowship with us through His visit to this planet in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. We can know the same God Who created the universe in a very personal and intimate way. Ask Him into your heart today!

 

Dear God,

 

     When I turn over a spade of dirt and see a big fat worm tilling up the soil, or when a ladybug on the back of a leaf catches my eye – I reflect on all the miracles of creation You have placed in my world. Your might never ceases to amaze me. Thank You for this earth and for the way You provide for me. I love You Lord and I praise You for all that You are and all that You mean to me. Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. "The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."
“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14