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God’s Creativity from the Beginning

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said . . .  and it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. (Genesis 1:1–3, 30–31)

When God created the world, he was pleased with what he made. It was good. He created something out of nothing, which is hard for us to understand. God needs nothing and is truly self-sufficient. Yet he made the earth and everything in it, demonstrating his power and creativity.

He was particularly excited about the first people he made, Adam and Eve. 

God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them. . . . (Genesis 1:26–28)

God created Adam and Eve differently than all the other creatures. He created them in his own image.

Imagine what it was like to be Adam and Eve! No insecurities, achy muscles, or tired brains to slow them down. And God gave them the coolest jobs: naming the animals, exploring the garden, and enjoying his creation with him.

Obeying God was good for Adam and Eve. They were perfect and fulfilled. They weren’t lonely or insecure. Every need was met. They lived with purpose in the best relationship with God and with each other. God clearly told them the consequence of disobedience: “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die” (Genesis 2:17). 

Choosing God is choosing life!

Reflect on these questions after reading Genesis 1–2.

• What do you think it means to be created in God’s image?
• In what ways does God interact with his creation in these verses?
• What are some of the specific things that God created?
• What can you learn about God from observing his creation?

Pray

Today’s prayer comes from Genesis 1:31.

God, thank you for creating this amazing world and everything in it. Help me understand that when you look at your creation, including me, you say that it is “very good.” Please give me the strength to obey you every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.