In the Beginning
Scripture Reading — Genesis 1:1-25
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth… And God saw that it was good.
—Genesis 1:1, 25
Last summer our family had the privilege of spending four days in the Bahamas. On the last day of our vacation, while sitting on a small island lined with palm trees, enjoying a cloudless sky above us and the blue water of the ocean in front of us, I was reminded of the beauty of God’s creation and of the words of today’s text: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
But we shouldn’t need a trip to the Bahamas to remind us that all creation comes from God’s hand. As you travel, or sit in your backyard, or enjoy a beautiful park this summer, take the time to remember that this is God’s creation, entrusted to our care and given for our enjoyment. Then recall the words of Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God.”
Sadly, God’s beautiful creation has been tainted by our sin. In many parts of our world it’s clear that people have polluted the land and harmed all kinds of plant and animal life. But no human carelessness, no natural disaster, no scientific breakthrough or theory will ever be able to contradict the truth of Genesis 1:1, which tells us in plain language that it was God himself who created the heavens and the earth.
Wherever you find yourself this summer, remember that this is God’s creation, and be assured that he is moving history toward a new creation.
Father in heaven, help us to praise you for your marvelous creation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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