In The Beginning (Genesis 1:1-2:3)

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
-Genesis 1:1
      Today my church started a program called the "Genesis Bible Academy". What this program entails is a series of lectures based on the book of Genesis in the Bible. The goal of this program is that the attendees learn more about God and are able to teach Genesis to some degree. I decided to join this program because I have some free time in the summer and I always want to increase my knowledge of the Bible. During the study today I decided I would post my thoughts of the passage for every day we have a lecture.
      The story of creation is something I have heard many times. God creates the world in six days and He rests on the seventh day. Two things are immediately obvious when reading this passage; God is powerful and He is wise. In verse 3, God says "let there be light," and "there was light". God did not create light with His hands, or with materials. He simply said a command, and light was created. This is a clear example that God has authority and power over everything, even creation. No human could say "let there be light" and create light in that way; only God can.
      God's wisdom is seen in creation as well. On the first four days God creates light, the sky, land and sea, vegetation, and the sun, moon and stars. Notice that all of these things are part of an environment and are self sustaining. On the fifth and sixth day God creates creatures of the sea and the land, including people. These things require an environment to live in, but God already created the environment. The order of creation is purposeful and intelligent, revealing God's wisdom.
      This passage reveals more than just God creating the world. Creation shows how God is able to put something seemly lost and in disarray together in a beautiful display. Verse 2 states that "the earth was formless and void". The earth was completely in disarray and there was no order, and darkness covered it. God does not leave the earth in this fashion, He slowly pieces things together and creates order and life. God continually says that "it was good", claiming His satisfaction in His work. On the seventh day when the world is complete, God is able to rest and enjoy His creation.
      In case you couldn't see the analogy earlier, this also refers to our lives. Before knowing Christ, our lives can seem lost, broken, and in disarray; we are spiritually dead. God didn't leave us like this, He sent His son in order to restore us. This process may seem slow at times, but God is very purposeful and wise. He knows the best way and timing to restore our lost souls. God continually wants to form our lives and create something that is good. When's God's work is done and we are made complete, we can rest and enjoy His presence.
-Smart