The opening chapters of the Bible describe the creation of heavenly bodies, rocks, plants, animals, and people. Everything we see and all that we know and experience come from God. He spoke, and it came to be. And all of it together, God said, was “very good.”
It all begins with God, not with our birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations. Not even our languages or cultures come before God. God is the source and sustainer of everything good every day. This God of the Bible, who is the Father of Jesus Christ, keeps us and guards our coming and going (Psalm 121:8). Today those who take him seriously will gather to worship this God.
For many people, life is about freedom and choice, about what we do, how we do it, and with whom. If that’s true, do we really want a God who is so close, who watches our every step?
But that’s where Genesis begins.
The rest of the story tells us what we have done with God’s closeness and his goodness. It’s about God driving us away and bringing us back to himself. As we read Genesis this month, we’ll see what happens among Eden’s trees and inside Canaan’s tents. We’ll read of graves and journeys. We’ll find that it’s all about the God who will make everything very good again, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Father, open our hearts to your closeness in our lives. Help us to honor and worship you in all we do. May we also gather with your people in worship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Arie C. Leder
Dr. Arie C. Leder is the Martin J. Wyngaarden Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He previously served as pastor at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church, Trenton, Ontario, and with Christian Reformed World Missions in Latin America. He teaches courses on the Pentateuch and on historical books of the Old Testament.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!