Creation
by Michael Shipman
Advent Devotional ~ Day 1
Read Genesis 1-2
The topics and theology that are covered in these two chapters are not just interesting,
they are foundational for understanding the rest of Scripture. In fact, it is safe to say that these two chapters have been the source of more theological warfare than any other portion of Scripture. Why? Because if you get the beginning right, you will most likely get the rest correct. However, if you treat the Genesis account as an allegory, or poetry (as many destructive theologians have), then you will be more likely to approach other portions of the Bible with the same type of hermeneutical (interpretive) looseness, which inevitably leads to an understanding of the gospel that is man centered, rather than God centered...and this is Satan’s desire. Mark this, it is no coincidence that the first verse of chapter 3 is a direct, complex, and intentional assault on God’s Word and work from chapters 1 & 2.
“Genesis” ... which literally means “Beginnings,” is the first book of our closed canon which contains 66 books. Notice from the start that the Scriptures want us to know what, or better stated “Who,” this grand and majestic historical account is centered upon. Of course, it is none other than God Himself; God is the initiator of all creative action, and the sustainer of all creation results.
So, what do these two chapters have to do with our Lord’s first
advent? EVERYTHING! It is critical to understand that what God does in physical form in the Old Covenant (Old Testament) has the spiritual reality as being expectant; it is the shadow of the greater reality to come. In the New Covenant (New Testament), He fulfills what was promised, prophesied, and penned. God’s creative nature and labor did not stop in Genesis 1 & 2... it was only the beginning (no pun intended).
Therefore, just as in Genesis 1:3 God says “Let there be light...” We are told in 2 Corinthians 4:6 “For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” Just as in the Creation account there was initial chaos and disorder, so our souls, due to the fall, are chaotic and disordered (see Ephesians 2:1-3), until the Lord of glory effectually speaks into our hearts “Let there be life!” (See Ephesians 2:4-7). Both of God’s Creative acts were “Ex Nihilo,” or, “Out or from nothing.” He did not need anything or use anything to create; this is true and real creation (unlike us, we always need some-thing to create another thing).
This is awe and wonder of our Lord’s advent: The reality that His entrance into time and space for the sake of His elect is actually an indictment of our condition. Consider that it took the Triune God of the universe to create what did not exist...Joy & Worship in God alone. Consider John 1:1-1-5 “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” Jesus is the source of all life, physical and spiritual.
Reflection
The God of Creation entered His creation in order to inaugurate the New Creation...
Application questions
What similarities and differences do you see between God’s power in the creation
account and the creation of your faith, love, and joy in Jesus Christ?
In what specific ways might you ask the Lord for your private worship to change
considering these truths?
How does being a part of the New Creation change my perspective on God, life,
death?