Creation

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HARMONY

(Genesis 1:31) God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.  And there was evening, and there was morning-the sixth day.

Everything in God’s creation was very good.  All of creation was in harmony.  Harmony denotes a flowing togetherness that is continually in sync like a well-practiced choir.  Though the various members sing different notes, they mesh together to produce a beautiful melody.  If one person hits a wrong note, a trained hear will catch it. But what happens if everybody in the choir refuses to follow the sheet music and sings whatever note they want.  Harmony is gone and only noise and chaos persist.  It kind of sounds like our current world.

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, all of creation was in harmony.  Man and woman were in harmony with each other and themselves.  They were in harmony with the multitude of animals and creatures God had created as well as with the earth itself.

I believe you would agree that the harmony that once existed has been greatly distorted. 

Jesus taught us to consider others more highly than ourselves, along with many other teachings that would help us promote harmony. Even we who have received the seal of his Holy Spirit find it impossible to maintain harmony.  Jesus came because we are incapable of restoring harmony on our own.    Restoring harmony to all of creation can only be done by our creator.  He’s working on it.  Jesus’ death and resurrection accomplished the most important step. He opened the door for us to be in harmony with our God.

Jesus is coming again, and he will restore harmony to all creation.  The Bible tells us that this will include the ushering in of a new heaven and earth.  God has made it so we can choose to be a part of this new harmonious world by confessing Jesus as Lord and receiving the forgiveness for which he gave his life.

I can’t even comprehend what this new harmonious world will be like, but I really want to be a part of it.

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WHY DID GOD CREATE THE WORLD?

(Genesis 1:1) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

These are two very familiar scripture that most of us know by heart.  We know that God created the world, and we know that he went to great lengths to redeem us from our rebellion against him.  So I am using these two scriptures because I find them instrumental in answering the question that’s been on my mind. Here’s the question: “For what purpose was God moved to create the heavens and the earth?”  No one can know the mind of God, but in this case, throughout the scriptures, he has clearly let us know why he created.

After the six days of creation, the rest of the Bible is about God’s interactions with mankind.  And since the first sin in chapter three of Genesis, God began the process of bringing about the redemption of mankind. He has provided the means for us to return to relationship with him. And for those who have received his redemption, we have returned to a relationship with our God. Throughout eternity, we will be his children, and he will be our Father.  I think we have the answer to our question.  God wanted a family!

Even here in our fallen world, we understand what it means to have a family. It is something we inherently desire.  If we have a family, we are blessed; if we don’t have one, we long for one.  Granted family is a mixed bag here in our fallen world.  Some of us are blessed to have a family with good relationships, but many are not.  Yet we all wish that we could have a perfect family. 

Unfortunately, we will have to wait for the perfect family.  If we are willing to accept his offer, God has promised us a place in his eternal family.  Being a part of the family that God has been patiently waiting for is awesome, and it will never end.

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WE REFLECT THE LIGHT THAT JESUS BROUGHT TO ALL MANKIND

(John 1:4&5) In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

(John 15:5) I am the vine you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

It dawned on me as I was contemplating these words from the book of John that God has placed for us, from the very beginning, an example of how the power of Jesus flows through us.  The sun, which provides us with light, is a ball of nuclear energy of amazing power and endurance.  The moon has no power of its own, but it reflects the light of the sun.  We only see the moon’s light when it is in position to reflect sun light.

Jesus is the all-powerful source of life, and he shines the light of life for all mankind.  We his disciples reflect his light, so that many will be able to know his light. Just like the moon, we don’t have the power of the light, but we can reflect that light.  Without him we are powerless; with him we can reflect the power of life.

The enemy would love for us to get caught up in imagining we have our own power.  It’s a trap of pridefulness, and we know that pride comes before a fall.  Trying to shine the light of life without maintaining our connection to Jesus, the source of power, will indeed results in a powerless display of pride and be useless in God’s kingdom.  That’s why Jesus said, “apart from me you can do nothing.”

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GODS TIMING IS PERFECT

(2 Peter 2:5-10) If he (God) did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)- if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.  This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority…

Those who criticize God for allowing horrible things to happen on the earth are confused.  First, they are confused about whom God is, and secondly, they are confused about what God has planned for those who continue to perpetrate evil and fail to repent.  The flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah are two excellent examples of what God will do about the evils of sin perpetrated by us humans.Those who think God should continually intervene might consider what that could mean.

We humans are the center of his creation, yet we fail to comprehend that we belong to him who created us.  This verse reminds us of God’s ownership, (Psalm 24:1) “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.”  This verse is the base scripture for godsworldandus.com.  I write about God’s world and those of us who live in it.  What we see happening on the earth is God carrying out his plan for his creation.  He is not unaware.  He knows everything that is occurring moment by moment.  He is continually working toward his ultimate goal, and that goal is to have eternal fellowship with the ones who will respect him and return his love.  He is patiently withholding judgement to allow for all who will embrace his plan of redemption and enter into a loving relationship with him.

God’s timing is perfect.  I state this in full confidence because I know him and love him.  I have great faith in his ability to carry out his plan to the fullness of his desired outcome.

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GOD IS FOR US

(Ephesians 1: 3-5) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.  In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.

Yesterday morning, I got up, got dressed, and drove to the Costco gas station which opens at 6:00am.  I’m trying to retire form the busy mindset of employment. So as soon as I got on the road, I reminded myself that I had no need to hurry. Even in retirement, I still have built into me the American need to rush, take the quickest route, and drive there as fast as I can.  I’ve found that listening to the Christian radio station distracts me from the “I’m in a hurry syndrome”.  On my short trip to get gas, I heard encouraging songs that reminded me of God’s love for me.  This caused me to remember the above Scripture from Ephesians that I had read the day before. 

It is interesting to note from this Scripture that God created the universe with us in mind.  Of all that seems important through the history of man, nothing compares to the purpose for which God created us.  He chose those of us who now love him before he began his creation. So that we, his adopted children, might live eternally as recipients of his fatherly love.

You may ask yourself, “What have I done to deserve such love?”  The answer is: you have accepted his redemptive gift through Jesus Christ his only begotten Son.  In humble repentance, you have received his offer of forgiveness and put yourself, along with billions of others, right in the center of his purpose for his creation.  Nothing else in all the universe compares to this truth.

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 OUR CREATOR AND US

(Psalm 8:3-5) When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?  You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

I love this passage of scripture.  It speaks volumes to me.  The vastness of the heavens directs my thinking to just how limitless is our God who created them.  Who is mankind in the midst of the universe?  Well, it turns out that we’re quite important to our creator.  Mankind is the focus of creation to the point that he sent his only begotten Son to die for us.   I pause to think about this, and I am overwhelmed by this thought.

The great creator of all that we know is loving, personal, and sacrificial in relationship with his created ones.  I desire to take this truth into the depths of my soul.  Sometimes, I ignore God and take for granted his presence in my life.  As I consider these thoughts, they become important motivators to stir me from my complacent self-centeredness and remind me just who I am serving.  He is the creator of the universe in whom we live and move and have our being (see Acts 17:28).

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GOD’S CHOICE – GOD’S PLAN

(Genesis 12:1-3) The Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on the earth will be blessed through you.”

(Romans 8:28) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Abraham was called by God to father a people who would carry the truth about our creator God to all his created ones.  He and his descendants were blessed to be a blessing to all people.  Why was Abraham chosen? God is sovereign, and he has the right to choose whomever he decides.

There have also been many thousands of other chosen people who have walked the earth, and many of us are currently walking.  Like Abraham, we have been chosen by God to continue the work of his kingdom.  Each has a specific purpose assigned by God.  For those of us who love him, we have been called by God; and we are workers with a purpose in his kingdom.  What is our purpose?  God directs us throughout our lives to fulfill his purpose in us.  We simply walk day by day, in faith, trusting him to lead us – just as Abraham did.

Who then is not chosen?  The answer is – those who turn their backs to God and go their own way.  To be chosen, all they have to do is turn toward God and seek him. 

    God is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek him.  (Hebrews 11:6) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 

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LIGHT

(Genesis 1:1-4)  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.  And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.  God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.

The first thing God brought to the earth was light.  Light, as the scientists tell us, is a combination of waves of energy and particles called photons.  This combination of energy waves and particles is still somewhat of a mystery.  God, who spoke light into existence, could easily explain it, but science is still working on it.

The word light is used 232 times across both the old and new testaments.  It is used to describe illumination and metaphorically to contrast with the darkness in our souls.  In 1 Timothy 6:16 we are told that God lives in unapproachable light.  The Apostle Paul was called to be a light to the non-Jewish gentiles (Acts 13:47), and we, God’s children, are called to be a light to those around us, and collectively we are called to be light to the world (Matthew 5:15&16).

The Apostle John in the first chapter of his gospel uses the idea of light to describe Jesus’ advent as the light sent to bring light to the world.  (John 1:4&5) In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  Jesus brought us life and clarity by shining light on sin, and then he died that we might have the victory over sin and no longer live in darkness.

(Revelation 22:5)  There will be no more night.  They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.  And they will reign for ever and ever.

 In the beginning light was given, and at the conclusion of the first creation, we will move on to the new heaven and new earth and live in God’s eternal light forever.  The darkness will be gone.  Our future will always be filled with light.   

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FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT

(1 John 4:15&16) If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

The Bible tells us why we are here and how we came about.  God created us.  God is presented to us in the scriptures as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God with three aspects or parts.  God created the entire physical realm in which we exist.  He is all powerful, all knowing, and omnipresent.  We are the crown of His creation, given charge to take care of the earth.  Yet, how do we relate to this amazing being.  

As Father, God takes on the position of authority.  He is the head.  He is our provider and protector.  God the Father is who we look to for help in our time of need.  With love and mercy, He corrects us and turns us to the right path.  Sometimes, He allows the consequences of our choices to teach us.  He is the perfect father.  The scriptures point out that God is slow to anger and abounding in love.  I’m glad that my Father has these two attributes. 

God the son came to earth and became one of us.  He walked through this life as we do.  He taught us many lessons to show us how we should live.  He lived as we live and suffered as we suffer.  The Son was given the name Jesus meaning God saves, and He did just that.  He gave his life to redeem us.  Through his death and resurrection, he purchased for us eternal life.  Jesus is our oldest brother, and He loves us. He is now in heaven interceding for us.

The Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, indwells those of us who have believed in Jesus and accepted his redemption.  The Holy Spirit lives within us and counsels us, teaches us, and leads us in righteousness.  The fact that the Holy Spirit lives in us amazes me.  No other relationship is more personal.

I believe God has shown us exactly how He wants us to relate to him Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I think God is more complex than the three aspects he shares with us, but these aspects present the most personal interaction we can understand.  He takes care of us as our Father, loves us as our Brother, and through the Holy Spirit connects with us on a deep spiritual level.  God created us to love us.   His underlying characteristic is love.

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PSALM 117 – PRAISE THE LORD

(Psalm 117:1&2) Praise the Lord all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.  For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.  Praise the Lord.

In this basic exaltation from the psalmist, we find the answer to all the difficulties of this world including world peace.  He wants us all to praise the Lord.  Why should we do this?  The simple answer is because of God’s great love toward us and his faithfulness that endures forever. 

Who is this God that we should praise him?  Well, let’s see.  He created the earth and us.  Now there’s a good start.  Life itself is from him, and it only exists through him.  When we rejected his love, rebelled against him, and brought sin into his creation, he went to great extremes to offer us forgiveness even to the point of sacrificing his Son.  In return for all the sin, death, and destruction his created ones have brought into his creation, God has loved us and has been faithful to redeem us.

We know that we live in a world filled with sin, death, and all kinds of misery for which we the people of the earth are at fault.  The solution according to the writer of Psalm 117 is to: “Praise the Lord all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.”    And the psalmist gave us the reasons why we should praise him.

Think about what it would be like if all the inhabitants of the earth began praising the Lord. It would put God at the center of our focus, and joining together in praise would open the door for us to perhaps love one another.