Theme of the Week: Genesis
Bible Verse: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1-31
How does your favorite story start, book or movie? There are some classic first lines in literature and cinema. Which of these can you identify? “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” “A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far far away . . .” “Call me Ishmeal.” “The world has changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was, is lost, for none now live will remember it.” Which would you add as a great opening line?
The opening line sets up the entire story. The Bible has a fantastic opening line: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Like all opening lines, the first line of the Bible sets up everything that comes after. What we learn from the first line of Scripture is that what is coming is God’s story. God is the main character of the story. We read everything else that follows in light of this opening line. There will be other characters, plot twists . . . lots of plot twists, drama, action, all sorts of story elements. But what we must remember through it all, is that this is God’s story. He is the main character.
This week we are going to look at a few of the key parts of Genesis and see how they fit into a story that is about God. We will highlight other items of significance. For instance, does the opening line give us some theological insights? Of course! God exists; He existed before everything that we know; and He created everything. And while those things are important, when reading Scripture, our focus should not be on mining what we read for the theological proposition.
God has told his story in a particular way for a reason, and we should not ignore the meaning of the form that He has given us. Like all good stories, God’s starts in the beginning. And it is from the beginning that everything else proceeds. Let’s read God’s story together.
Prayer: God, Thank you for giving us your story. I want to read it well and see what you have recorded for us to know. Help me to understand what Scripture is saying as I read what you have inspired to be recorded.
Reflection: What are your reading habits for Scripture? How do you read? Looking for the application or theological proposition? When was the last time you enjoyed the story of Scripture?
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