Genesis 1 & Psalm 19
It is where the foundations are built. It is where we first learn about God- who He is and what He has done. It is where the building blocks to our faith can be found.
How interesting that the author did not see fit to include philosophic arguments for the existence of God or how He created the universe. How interesting that instead, simple truths are found.
It begins with the Creator. I love the picture C.S. Lewis paints of the creation of Narnia in The Magician’s Nephew. The Lion breathes life into His creation; He speaks life into His creation. You can feel the energy and youthful radiance from this newly created world. It comes from a rumbling in the deep places of the earth, and it can’t help but burst forth in the sweet fragrance and colors of new life. All creation sings and dances with radiant energy. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” (Ps 19:1-4)
God speaks Creation. Creation speaks God. (Chiasm... ahem!)
From what we know of studying Hebrew literature… the story finds it’s entire purpose at the first point of dialogue. From there, the entire depiction of a person’s character is determined by what they say. “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw the light was good…” (Ge 1:3)
The entire character of God is brought forth in these two sentences. He is the Creator. He speaks and there is light. He is the one who brings light to the darkness. He is the one who determines what is good.
Now, I should know better than to take a historical fact and read more meaning into it than what is there. However, how curious is it that God’s first words would be “Let there be light” when darkness was about to enter into mankind’s hearts?
Granted, Genesis 1 does not deal with Original Sin. However, it does mention the First Dispensation: Innocence. Man, created by God, was entrusted with the stewardship of innocence right from the beginning. Ever since we lost our innocence there has been a fight over the souls of mankind for it. The Psalmist says, “Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.” (Ps 19:13)
... recognizing that I cannot fully embrace my destiny as a daughter of God Almighty, without fully embracing my spiritual history, what does this mean?
It means that God is God and I am not.
Easy words are so elementary and basic… but more difficult to comprehend and truly let sink into my soul. It is much easier to think in terms of me, mine, and my. I would be lying if I tried to say that I wasn’t painfully aware of the decisions I make in this self-absorbed mindset. Instead, if I am to fully embrace my destiny, I must realize that in my beginnings there must be a deeply rooted humility and respect, with eyes fixed upon the Creator. I truly desire to know the fullness of His grace, I want to know every aspect of His character that He desires to reveal to me. This means going back to basics... working it out each overly used statement and cliche, and letting it truly sink into my heart and soul.
Well said. Seriously. You were able to put in print many of the thoughts that have been swirling around.
ReplyDeleteThe KTW series (and My Utmost) have a knack for drawing out truths to the surface to be faced.
God is God and I am not.
And another is that:I am not my own.
This is a truth that is an exercise in diligence (2Tim 2:15) for me everyday.
And as you said, it takes going back to the basics and deconstructing all the cliche expressions. Then allowing that breath to bring them to life and see how they can be real and construct your life.
I particularly liked the way you expressed our entrusted stewardship of innocence. So, very true. And it shows why we need to have "deeply rooted humility and respect, with eyes fixed upon the Creator." Again, a daily exercise.
I am excited to hear more of your thoughts with the upcoming weeks of KTW. I think I have begun to associate John's "Good Morning" my mornings. He says it the same way, almost every time.
Again, wonderful and thanks for the reflections.