Starting a New Series "God's Big Story" with Genesis 1-2

S = Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

v. 3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26 “And God said, ‘Let there be…’ And it was so.”

v.31 “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.”

O = One of my first observations is that there is a literary technique being used in chapters 1 & 2 (where it almost appears that there are two creation stories) that needs explanation.  I like to think of a computer directory tree with the little file-folder icons. Gen 1:1 is the first level folder with the over view of all of creation. You want more detail you click on the folder and it lists the contents of that creation week. Day 1, Day 2, Day 3...etc. The author then does the same thing at chapter 2:4. It is like clicking on the Day 6 folder for more information about how God made the garden and made man. Two other observations, that jump out at me are: (1) What God says happens; (2) God forms the water, land, sky, and space (Days 1-3) and then he fills them with living creatures (Days 4-6) any other order of business would be neither loving nor wise; (3) All God does is good, and when all the “goods” come to completion it is “very good.”

A = I need to remember that if God says something then he will bring it to completion. There is no need for me to worry and doubt. His promises to me are powerful! I also need to give God room to work in my life according to his wisdom and love. First he forms and then he fills, I should practice patience this week knowing that when I pray God is working in me and in others to prepare us for his final answer.

P = O Lord, you are an awesome God! When I consider the “who” of creation I am overwhelmed by your power, wisdom, creativity, and loving care demonstrated in creation. I am humbled to think that you did it all to prepare a land for your people to dwell…and then in your abundant grace you chose me to be one of your people. May I be filled with faith in your creative power this week! Open my eyes to see your goodness reflected in what you have made.