Thursday, January 1

Genesis 1-2

 

 

PERSPECTIVE

 

Our reading today is Genesis 1-2 where we learn about creation. Appropriately, the Word of God starts with how we came to be on this earth. The Bibles first chapters give a sweeping account of creation in the exact order of how things appeared in this world. The divine order discloses a careful and concerned Creator Who has plan and purpose for our planet. In chapter 2, the first Sabbath is sanctified and the drama of choice is introduced. The sacredness and security of marriage is also underlined from the very beginning.

 

 

 

ON THIS DAY

 

New Years Day has been called Everyman’s Birthday because it is a time of new beginnings. In some countries, a year is added to everyone’s age on January 1 rather than on the anniversary of each person’s birth. Ever since 1751, January 1 has been observed as the beginning of the year in most English-speaking countries. That was the year the British Calendar Act was passed. Prior to this date, New Years always began on March 25, approximately at the time of the vernal equinox. Traditionally, New Years Day is a time for personal introspection and for making resolutions to change some behavioral habits. We start reading through the Bible at the beginning of this new year. God’s Word starts by taking us back to the original beginning, letting us know God’s plans for us in our world. Tragically, our first parents failed in fulfilling these plans, but even then God gave them hope they could have a new beginning. Just as each fresh new year offers opportunity for corrections and change, so God gives His children a chance to start over when they turn to Him. However, unlike the New Years offer, God also gives the strength needed so we can make correction and lasting change. The Bible says: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name... (John 1:12). We read all about this is today’s Bible passages.

 

 

 

MESSAGE

 

Today’s reading, chapters 1 and 2, describes the accounts of the creation and the fall of man. There are two accounts of creation. The first account is designed to demonstrate the all-wise and all-powerful sovereignty of God. The second account emphasizes His special creation of humanity to rule for Him over all other created things. Though the creation stories are fundamentally theological and not scientific, nothing in them is contradicted by modern scientific understanding. Genesis insists that all the forms of life were created after their kind. That is, they did not evolve across species lines. Most importantly, the man and the woman were created as the image of God. In other words, humanity was created to represent God on the earth and to rule over all things in His name. God’s desire was to bless humanity and to enjoy relationship with them.

 

LIFE LESSON

1. Recognizing we are locked in divine partnership with God helps us to assume our responsibility in creating a better world (1:26-31).

 

LIFE LESSON

2. God has given all we need for effective and joyful living. Before we had a need God provided the supply for that requirement (2:4-15).

 

LIFE LESSON

3. The consequences of our choices are clearly spelled out before we are faced with them. We win or lose by what we choose (2:16-17).

 

 LIFE LESSON

4. We are created for wholesome and healthy relationships. The family is Gods idea. He knows we need companionship and human warmth (2:18-25).