Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God...
Perhaps the first four words of the Bible are the most straightforward and easy to grasp. Yet, they are also the most misunderstood and maligned words contained in the Holy Writ. This is to be expected in the carnal world that generally rejects any worldview that places a divine creator at the forefront. However, there is even confusion amongst those that profess a belief in God as the creator and sustainer of the universe. The flesh that we all carry around is a pesky thing at times.
The truth is that God indeed spoke the world into being. Everything around us, both seen and unseen exists because He said so. Every passing days reveals an increasing complexity of all things both living and non-living. This is because of the sovereign One who spoke it so.
You are sitting down and reading this little devotion because God created man. Genesis, the book of beginnings, reveals how we came into existance. It was not definitely not by accident as some would theorize. The adage, “From goo, to zoo, to you” has no place in the mind of a believer. In Psalm 139:14, David wrote, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Amen and amen. You were not an accident. All life is a wonderful gift from the Almighty. This truth should guide you in all other areas of life!
Do you also realize that God is the author of salvation? If we confess his sovereignty in creation, then we must also acknowledge that he is the sole giver of eternal life. Notice this in Paul’s letter to the Romans (emphasis mine):
Romans 8:28-31 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose. For whom HE did foreknow, HE also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that HE might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom HE did predestinate, them HE also called: and whom HE called, them HE also justified: and whom HE justified, them HE also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If GOD be for us, who can be against us?
This chain of salvation is unbreakable because God is its author and sustainer. It is not contingent upon our good works, belief, faith, hearing the gospel, perseverance, etc. It is GOD plus nothing. My friends this is indeed encouragement in our world of uncertainty.
If He is the creator of the heavens and the earth, and the originator and sustainer of our eternal salvation, then why do we not trust Him to meet our daily needs? Why is our faith ofttimes weak in there here and now? Again, human nature is a pesky thing. The truth is that we need not be overcome with worry as we face the inevitable trials of life. God knows what stand in need of as we labor along. Jesus beautifully acknowledged this with the illustration of the fowls of the air and the lilies of the field. God provides for them and much more for us!
Matthew 6:30-32 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
My friends, it is our job to patiently and steadfastly serve God the creator in light of these truths. As the old hymn exclaims, He is the first great cause and last great end. Never lose touch with the fact that all things are created by Him. Take strength and courage from the truth that He is also the sustainer of all, and gives grace sufficient for our unique trials. Comforting words indeed!
Blessings,
Michael D. Green, Jr.
Fort Wayne PBC
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