1-29-15 God Speaks

1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

3And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. (Genesis 1)

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome^a it.

14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1)

Thoughts: John 1 is a commentary on Genesis 1.  It tells us that when God spoke and made the world- Jesus- the Word was there.  John would have us know that even in the beginning God wanted the world to know its Maker.  It is through the Word of God- emanating from the Father's mouth that the world was exploded into existence.  It was God's intention to relate and love His world.  It it interesting that God speaks and the world exists.  God speaks to us in the way we are made.  We are made to know the voice that called us into existence.  But God still reaches out to us- coming down to us in the person of Jesus Christ.  The Word that called the world into existence became flesh that we might know Him.  God is not silent- He speaks to us and for us. 

Prayer: Thank you God that you made us to hear your voice, to know you, and to love you.  

2/16/12-

Q. 9. What is creation?
A. Creation is God’s making everything out of nothing by His powerful word in six days – and all very
good.


And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Genesis 1:3) 


 ¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning.³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  ¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-5,14)


For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

(Swiss Sword 15th/16th century)


Thoughts: The Word of God, unlike creation is not totally separate from God- but an emanation from God.  It proceeds from the true, unchanging God and has the same true and unchanging (or reliable) qualities.  It is a "powerful word" as the catechism says.  It is not a weak mumble or ineffectual whimper.  When God the Creator says it will be, it is.  Jesus Christ is the embodiment of this powerful Word.  He came not in weakness, but spoke and acted with power- calming the storm with a word, casting out demons with a word, curing the sick with a word.  The scriptures are a translation, a tarnished but nonetheless important word for us.  Some say that because scripture has been translated, or has a textual scratch or two therefore it is untrustworthy.  But that is a bit like saying because a sword's silver hilt is black with tarnish and has a scratch it is therefore not sharp and effectual.  


Prayer: Keep me trusting in your word, O Lord.  Help me to continually look to you.