January 1: Genesis 1

Introducing . . . a Jolly, Generous God

Photo by Alexander Andrews on Unsplash

As we begin the year, we go back to the beginning. Genesis 1 sets the stage for everything else. I am no scientist; I’m a theologian who loves to learn about science. Yet I cannot help but notice how four fundamental forces are described in the opening words:

• There is God, the “strong” force, from which everything else is created (1). In physics, the “strong force” holds everything together, keeping atomic particles from repelling out from one another.

• There is a “weaker force,” in the Holy Spirit, as it hovers like a hen over its brood, the created “stuff” (2). The “weak force” in physics makes possible and governs atomic decay and the creation of elements.

• There is gravity, necessary for holding the stuff together, even though it is “formless and void.”

• And then there is electromagnetism, in the form of light (3-4).

These just so happen to coincide with the “four fundamental forces of the universe.” Is it a coincidence? I think not.

Yet the point being made is more profound: there is a Creator-God from which all existence comes. He is unique: just as we humans have had to stretch our brains to understand the strange relationships of atomic forces (like “quantum entanglement”), so we get a hint here of the “strangeness” of this God. He is singular (1), and yet, with the mention of the Spirit (2), we learn He is at the same time a kind of plurality. He is “other” than the rest of the creation.

Moreover, He creates for blessing and abundance - the text continually records His blessing upon the creation.

Then we learn that He was up to this creating business before we were ever around. He says, “Let us make man in our image . . .” (26). Though the “us” might refer to the “Trinity,” it is more likely this refers to the “Council of Elohim” - heavenly beings already created to serve God. God mentions these beings when he chastises Job in Job 38:

      4       “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
       Tell me, if you have understanding.
             5       Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
       Or who stretched the line upon it?
             6       On what were its bases sunk,
       or who laid its cornerstone,
             7       when the morning stars sang together
       and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 

Genesis 1 teaches us that this God is our Father, and we are His children, and He had an independent life before we were created. So on the one hand, we are accountable to Him, in all things.

Yet He is a jolly, generous Father Who shares His blessing and glory with His children, with all who seek, love and trust Him.