In The Beginning

Grapple: Ever wonder how old this world is? How old do you think it is? 

Book: Genesis 1

Brief History on the Book of Genesis

The book of Genesis also known as the book of the beginnings. It is the first book in the Bible that introduces the readers to the rest of the Bible. This book was written by Moses. What about timings? No one knows the date, month, or year when the heavens and the earth were created by God. However, the happenings recorded in Genesis are estimated to have taken place around these years: Creation-Call of Abraham (2091 B.C)- Israel goes to Egypt (1876 B.C)-Exodus from Egypt (1446 B.C). 

Characters in the chapter

In Genesis 1 we encounter three active characters;

 God the Father: He is seen from the beginning of verse one and all through the chapter. vs.1 Inthe beginning God, vs. 3,6,9,11,14,20,22,24,26, 29...God said... In these verses and many others that I have not noted here, we get to read more about God creating the heavens and the earth through Words. Supporting scriptures: Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.  Isaiah 45:12 It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts. Romans 1:20

God the Son: Jesus Christ was from the beginning. In Genesis, the scriptures don't use the words God the Son or Jesus Christ. However, when reading through these verses, we are able to see how He was involved in the creation story. Gen 1:26-29 ...let us make mankind... The term us refers to the Godhead/ Triune. Supporting Scriptures: John 1:1-3, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. Colossians 1:15-17, The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created throgh Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. John 5:46-47

God the HolySpirit: In Gen 1:2...and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. This is proof enough of His existence from the beginning of time. Gen 1:26... Let us... as I stated concerning the Godhead/Triune, the Holyspirit being part of the Triune, He too was from the beginning. At this point it is important to note that the Holyspirit is not 'it' but 'He'. He is one of the persons in the Godhead/ Triune. He is not a thing, Psalm 33:6, Job 26:13, 32:8, Psalm 104:30 when You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the ground.

In conclusion, the heavens and the earth were created by the Triune God- God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holyspirit. Jesus does not come into existence in the New Testament neither does the Holyspirit come into existence in the book of Acts. They were from the beginning of time.

What was happening then?

Genesis 1 is the beginning of beginnings. This chapter gives a detailed and orderly account of how The Triune God creates the heavens and the earth. Matthew Henry commentary titles verse 1-2 as the work of creation in its epitome and in its embroy. The manner in which the heavens and earth came to be, is far beyond any human's ability to think or pathom. The articulations, exactness, accuracy and the fine details in everything, it is fine than any work of art. 

God creates the heavens, the earth, light-day, darkness-night, vault between the waters, sky, seas, vegetation- plants and trees, sun, moon, and the planets, living creatures in the sea and on the land, finally mankind. It is safe to say that one creation fed into or led to another creation. 

What can we learn or apply today?

1.  The heavens and the earth were made by the Godhead/ The Triune; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holyspirit. This is a liberating truth. In the word of Matthew Henry Commentary "Let us learn hence, (1.) That atheism is folly, and atheists are the greatest fools in nature; for they see there is a world that could not make itself, and yet they will not own there is a God that made it. Doubtless, they are without excuse, but the god of this world has blinded their minds. (2.) That God is sovereign Lord of all by an incontestable right. If he is the Creator, no doubt he is the owner and possessor of heaven and earth." 
2. The frailty of life; We were created in God's image, however, our human bodies are frail, mortal, and dust. Our lives are like grass here today and gone tomorrow. Psalm 103:14-16 ...for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. This truth should cause us to depend more on God and less on ourselves and what we have. We can never live independently of Him. He is gracious to everyone. 

What am I learning about Trinity/God?

1. The God of nature is not subject to the powers of nature. According to Matthew Henry Commentary: In the beginning of time when the clock was set going, time began with the production of those beings that are measured by time. Before the beginning of time, there was none but that Infinite Being that inhabits eternity.
2. A God of order.Gen 1:1-31
3. He made everything with a purpose Gen 1:1-31
4. There are communion and partnership in the Trinity Gen 1:1-2, 26

Prayer

Dear God, today I'm in awe of You, of  Your power, might, love and, consideration. As I look at all that You have created, I'm humbled. In all of Your creation, You as the Triune God considered humankind and You made man in Your own image. This is an absolute honor. This day I surrender my life and all that I have to You. I ask that You may take Your first place in my heart as it is from it that all life's issues spring from Proverbs 4:23. In Your name I pray, Amen. 

Further study questions 

• When was the woman created? Gen 1:27-30 compare with 2:18-25
• Who are the passive human characters in this chapter? Gen 1:26

Words Used

Grapple: This is a question or statement to wrestle with. It introduces you to the devotion

Book: The Bible book for the day's study

Brief History: This is brief information about the book's history. It will be appearing whenever we begin a new book of the Bible in the devotion.

 References

ESV.org 

NIV

Matthew Henry Commentary