Welcome to the “But first, Bible” daily devotional podcast with Dave Miers.
All the resources for this new podcast can be found at butfirstbible.com
If you’re new to reading the bible, you might like to underline verses that stand out to you, or if you don’t like marking your bible get hold of a notepad or journal and take a few notes as you read.
Today’s readings are from Genesis 1-2 and Matthew 1. Before you listen to anything I have to say, press pause, and go and read/listen to God’s word first.
Okay, welcome back.
Each day I will share some brief reflections from one of the passages on the ‘But first, Bible.’ podcast. Today I want to focus on Genesis 1.
I think that often when people read the opening chapter of the Bible they focus on the wrong thing. One of the big ideas that some like to focus on is that there are 6, 24-hour days of creation. While God could create in 6, 24-hour day periods, I don’t think that’s the main point of these chapters.
And so for the next few moments I want to focus on 3 things that we can be certain of from these chapters.
The WHO, the HOW, and the WHY of Creation.
First, the WHO of Creation. The WHO is unambiguous! GOD is the creator. As you scan your eyes down chapter 1 you’ll notice that almost every verse mentions God. The God we meet in the Bible is the God who created the heavens and the earth.
Second, the HOW of Creation. HOW did God create? Look at the repetition:
- verse 3, “And God said…”
- verse 6, “And God said…”
- verse 9, “And God said…”
- verse 11, “And God said…”
- verse 14, “And God said…”
- verse 20, “And God said…”
- verse 24, “And God said…”
- verse 26, “Then God said…”
God speaks Creation into existence with his powerful word. God then relates with people by his spoken word. And Hebrews 1 says that God “upholds the universe by the word of his power” (verse 3).
Third, the WHY of Creation. Did you notice that there is one thing that God created in a unique way?
Genesis 1:27 says,
“So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.” (ESV)
Men and women are created in God’s image. That means the whole purpose of creation is that we would know God and be known by God. Colossians 1:16 says that “all things were created through [Jesus] and for [Jesus].” Our purpose is that we would live for the one who made us.
At the end of the first six days of the creation story it says
“And there was evening and there was morning, the first/second/third/fourth/fifth/sixth day.” (v5, v8, v13, v19, v23, v31).
In the first paragraph of Genesis 2 it describes the seventh day where God rests. Did you notice there’s a deliberate break in the pattern from the first six days? Day seven doesn’t end because God’s rest goes on into eternity! The goal of creation is to be with God in his rest, enjoying fellowship with him. Genesis 2 shows the beautiful picture of man and woman walking with God in obedience.
Genesis 3 will then show the terrible consequences of rebelling against God and no longer being with him in his rest. The storyline of the rest of the bible is all about what God will do for us in Christ Jesus to restore us to relationship with God and re-enter his rest for eternity.
WHO: God
HOW: God Speaks
WHY: That men and women would know their God.
If you’re sharing any of your own reflections on social media, use the hashtag #butfirstbible to share some of the things you’re learning.
Until tomorrow, keep trusting Jesus.