The Devotional Journey
Bible Reading 1
Yahweh creates the universe
Read Genesis 1:1–2:25.
We begin our journey right at the beginning—in the first book of the Bible known as Genesis. First, read Genesis 1:1–2:25, then read this commentary on the passage. This commentary provides background information, explanation and thoughts for you to prayerfully consider.
Genesis is a Greek word meaning “beginning”. Right from the very first verses of the Bible, we see how the Creator-God of the universe made everything. And as we observe Him creating, we start to learn about His character—what He is like, His power, wisdom, knowledge and the fact that He doesn’t need any help or pre-existing material to create the universe. He creates just by speaking.
We can also notice that this God creates only perfectly good things. At many stages of creation, God steps back and takes pleasure in what He has made and declares that it is very good. Notice how He is orderly. In the first three days He creates the domains of light and dark, then of sea and atmosphere, and finally the land. In the second set of three days He fills the domains with occupants: sun, moon, stars; fish and birds; land animals and finally mankind, both the man and the woman.
In the second chapter of Genesis, we are told the creation account again, but this time, focusing on more details about the creation of man and the woman. When God created the first male, Adam, we hear for the first time that something in creation was not good: it was not good that the first man was alone. God showed Adam that alone, he was not complete. Then God proceeded to make a special, strong ally—a helper—that would be man’s partner. Together, the man and the woman would be able to take on the role that God had given to mankind.
God said that mankind is the image of God. This meant that mankind was God’s representative. Seeing mankind in creation was seeing God in creation. As God’s representatives, the man and the woman together were supposed to take responsible care of the creation.
We call this “responsible dominion” and it was designed by God. Because He designed it, we say it is a divine institution, that is, a God-created law for man.
And God joined the man and the woman together in marriage. This was also part of God’s design and marriage is known as the second divine institution. It was God’s idea, not man’s.
God also designed marriage to produce children, or more images of God. The parents would teach the children about God and how to look after creation. Children were to be cared for and trained within a family. Then children would help with the task of looking after creation. In this way, mankind and creation could show off God’s creative glory. So family is also God’s design and is called the third divine institution.
Here are five thoughts to ponder as you reflect on Genesis 1 and 2.
Think about how the all-powerful God does not need the sun to give mankind light! The sun and stars were created on Day 4 but God Himself already created light to light up the planet.
Think also about the difference between how God and mankind create things. God created with no pre-existing materials and He created just by speaking. He used language to create something from nothing! This really demonstrates His all-powerful nature.
Recognise that marriage was God’s idea and serves important purposes. God defined marriage as the joining of one man and one woman together. Marriage is not defined by love or any other way. Rather, God brought the first woman to the first man and joined them as husband and wife. Marriage was for the purposes of reflecting God’s glory and taking care of creation.
The man and woman were put to work to care for creation. God set the example by working during the first six days. Then He handed over the task of working to care for creation to His images, His representatives.
Finally, ponder on how much God values mankind. He designed the world for mankind to enjoy. God treasures every person He made, including you. Respond to God in prayer regarding these thoughts.