Origins: The Beginning (Genesis 1–11)Sample

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep.” Genesis 1:2a (NKJV)

As we go through the beginning of all things, the account of creation where God brings everything into existence, we can see that the process of His creative work is also descriptive of His nature. What He did reflects who He is.

For example, we see from the passage above that at the outset of creation, just after God created the heavens and the earth, “the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep.” At first this may not stand out to us, much less give us an insight into God’s character.

But look closer. Notice that in the very beginning, the earth wasn’t all that it would eventually be. It was there, but it lacked form and order. In this state, life was not sustainable. Plants couldn’t grow, animals couldn’t eat, and man couldn’t fulfill his divine purpose and calling. Things had been set into motion and a miraculous work had begun, but there was still work to be done.

Moses goes on to record the continuation of that work, but not before planting a seed. A seed that goes on to grow into a principle we consistently see when it comes to God’s interaction with humanity. 

Oftentimes, God does a miraculous work in a person’s life. We can even say a creative work. He saves a soul, transforms a sinner into a saint, and brings spiritual life to a heart that was spiritually dead. As wonderful as this is, there is still more to be done. Form and order are required and are only added one step at a time according to God’s timeline.

Here’s the point: Sometimes we expect to see the finished product of something immediately, especially when it comes to a person’s life (perhaps even our own).  God doesn’t always work that way. Remember, even the earth took a certain amount of time before it was all that He wanted it to be. There was a progressive process that required patience. 

The Lord likes to do things that way, and we typically don’t. We’re impatient and impulsive, always looking beyond the immediate to what’s on the horizon. May we remember that with God, the process is just as important as the final product. How something happens matters as much as what finally happens, especially when it comes to God’s work in one’s life.

DIG: What does “the earth was without form” reveal to us about God’s nature?

DISCOVER: When have you wanted to rush God’s process in your own life?

DO: What should you remember when this temptation comes?