“In the beginning God…” Genesis 1:1
Dear Ones:
In these very few words in Genesis 1:1, there is a world of meaning, with regard to our existence, purpose, and means of living. Why does the Bible begin with God before the consideration of all else? When Job was confronted by God, with regard to giving him perspective in his suffering, He asked the question: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” (Job 38:4) This is a good question. Where was Job? Where were we? Is it not evident that God, in His wisdom, in order for us to have a true perspective from Heaven’s standpoint, begins with the consideration of Himself? How foolish it is to begin with man, who in spite of his so-called sophistication, is but less than dust upon the scales. He knows nothing in comparison with God. The is why Solomon writes in the book of Proverbs: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (1:7) To fear God is to give Him the absolute preference of perspective, with regard to what He thinks and is, as opposed to the reasoning and sinful littleness of man.
In Jesus’ teaching on prayer, we have a glimpse of the context in which we live, the tendency we have to trust in ourselves, and lastly, the necessity of deferring to the wisdom and love of God in all things. The twelve disciples who accompanied Jesus during His ministry, had opportunity to hear Jesus pray. At one point, they asked Him to teach them to pray. He began by saying, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:9-10) Remember that Jesus is teaching His disciples in the context of a sinful, unbelieving world, which is characterized by a mentality, and attitude, of independence from God. Since “sin” is simply, by definition, “going one’s own way,” the Lord Jesus, in this matter of prayer, is seeking to REALIGN the thinking of man with that of God, hence, He teaches the disciples to pray. Man’s “thoughts and ways” are not naturally those of God. It is with the knowledge of the truth, even with regard to prayer, that God will save man from himself, and bring him into conformity with Christ. This is why the point of beginning is always Christ, for He is the eternal TRUTH, by which we have, and experience, eternal LIFE.
Dear Father, teach us Thy thoughts and Thy ways. Bring us into conformity with Thy purposes, so that the world may KNOW that You are God. Pour out Your blessing upon us this day, causing the light of Your countenance to shine upon us, that we may run well this race set before us, abiding in Christ, living according to Your ways, and by Your Spirit, for Your glory. We thank Thee in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Love, Dad