Genesis 1:1-19 NKJV
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.
6 Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” 7 Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.
9 Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
11 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 So the evening and the morning were the third day.
14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
In this passage, we see the majestic power of God’s Word bringing the universe into existence. Martin Luther, in his commentary on Genesis and the first four days of creation, urges us to interpret these verses literally, understanding the six days of creation as actual historical events. This approach encourages us to trust deeply in the clear and plain teachings of Scripture as the solid foundation of our faith and to approach these verses with humility, recognizing our limited understanding and marveling at the divine power that shaped the universe.
Here, we also note the Trinitarian nature of creation: The Father speaks, the Son is the Word, and the Holy Spirit hovers over the waters. This unity in creation deepens our worship and appreciation of the triune God, acknowledging their unified roles in creation and fostering a sense of awe for the mysterious and majestic work of the Trinity.
These verses highlight for us the sovereignty of God’s Word, which not only created the world but continues to sustain it. Trusting in God’s providence allows us to see His meticulous care in every aspect of life, to recognize the sustaining power of God’s Word in creation and in our daily lives, to find strength in His promises, and to rely on God’s care and provision, knowing that He governs all aspects of creation with wisdom.
Here, we do well to avoid speculative theology and instead encourage humility in accepting the mysteries of faith. Focusing on the clear teachings of Scripture helps us to embrace a simple, childlike, and direct faith and to accept the mysteries of faith with all humility, trusting in God’s perfect wisdom.
Reflecting on these verses reminds us to appreciate the beauty and order of creation as manifestations of God’s goodness. Recognizing His provision in the natural world inspires gratitude and living in harmony with His creation, as we reflect on its goodness and His abundant provision for humanity. Let us pray: O Lord, let your merciful ears be open to the prayers of your humble servants. Teach us to ask for what pleases you, that we may receive what we ask for; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.