This year we are going to be reading from the books of the Bible that tell of the historical events. Although the Bible contains many stories, it is one story of God’s interactions with humanity from the beginning of time into eternity. Along the way, we will provide some comments that will help with understanding or explain why these events are important. We will be skipping some chapters so the plan fits within a year. Feel free to read the skipped chapters if your schedule allows.
The author of Genesis is not given, but for those who believe the Bible to be God’s Word, it is generally thought to be written by Moses around 1400 BC. This conclusion is based on various written and verbal sources and the guidance of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). Moses was the leader of the nation of Israel when the people were being released after 400 years of slavery in Egypt. Moses was reintroducing the people to God by telling them about what God had done from the beginning of time up until the people entered into Egypt.
Today we read about creation. Often this chapter is a source of controversy. Did God create everything in six literal days? How was there light before the sun existed? It’s important to realize that the Bible was written to tell people about God. It isn’t a science or history textbook. So regardless of your view of the literal nature of this chapter, it’s important to see what we are being taught about God. For sure, he was the One who brought it about, so the Israelites shouldn’t believe all those stories about Egyptian gods, and we shouldn’t believe the theories of things coming into existence all by themselves. Paul said in Romans 1:20, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” We also see that God created humanity to be of special value within his creation; only humanity is in his image and given responsibility to rule over creation.
Characteristics that come to mind about God from the creation story are: powerful, orderly, creative, seeking satisfaction, provision, and wanting his creation to succeed. What descriptions of God come to your mind as you read about creation?