The first four words in the Bible are “In the beginning, God” (Genesis 1:1). They may be, along with John 3:16, among the most known words in all of Scripture. These four words have much to say about God and how we should understand life and our part in it.
Think about it. While the earth was formless, there was God. He existed before land and sea. He created the animals and man and woman. Nothing existed before Him, and all that exists is due to Him.
This is a remarkable truth. Its implications are many, but it directly affects how we should live our lives. For one, since God is our Creator, we ought to desire to see our lives from His perspective. There are many philosophies of life, but only One who is the originator of life. Therefore, it would seem most valuable to see life through His lens.
Secondly, I would pose that since He is our Creator, who has always existed, we ought to desire to know His purpose for us. People invest tons of time and money speculating on why they exist. Tragically, most people never find the answer to this pivotal question. God has the answer, and we can receive it from Him.
On last thought, when I look at the world and perceive it spinning out of control, I want to know God’s part. He created it. What is He doing with His creation? Is it truly out of control or in His control? Does He have a plan? Again, we can find the answers from God.
The good news is that He’s provided for us in the Bible with all these answers to these questions and much more. In a simple way, I think about getting something new with an instruction manual. Unlike the stereotype of men, I do read the manual. At least, I skim it. I want to know about this new gadget. How does it work? What can I do with it? And on-and-on. If I do this with something like a new device, why would I not read the book provided by our Creator to help me navigate life and, most importantly, know Him?
“In the beginning, God” has real implications for my life and yours. He is our loving Creator and worthy of being sought before we seek answers elsewhere – before we try to find the meaning of life anywhere. Not only is He worthy of such action on our part, but ultimately it’s for our good.
Interestingly, the last verse of Scripture reads, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen” (Revelation 22:21). Think about it. The Bible begins by telling us that there was our eternal God before there was anything. It ends with words of blessing that God’s loving favor, which is not earned, would be ours. God existed before me, He is with me, and His loving favor, due to me entering into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, not by anything I have done, is upon me into the unforeseen future. This is true for all who begin a personal relationship with our eternal God through Jesus Christ. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!