Yahweh Creates
In the Beginning, God…
I love a good book series. You know the kind—the ones where you finish the last page and breathe a sigh of relief because you realize the story isn’t over? There’s more to discover, more to learn about the characters, more to see unfold.
Think of The Lord of the Rings. Imagine if we only had The Hobbit. We’d meet Gollum in his cave with riddles in the dark—and that would be the end of him! Or consider the Thursday Murder Club series. Each book can stand on its own, but you only really appreciate the story if you begin at the beginning.
Scripture works much the same way. You can open up almost anywhere and find meaning and truth. But to see the full picture, it helps to go back to the beginning. That’s why we’re starting a new series called The Origin Story, looking at Genesis—the first book not only of the Bible but of the story of God’s people.
Genesis is “book one” of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. It’s not just about how the world was made—it’s about who made it, why we’re here, and where we’re heading.
And it all begins with four simple words:
“In the beginning, God…” (Genesis 1:1)
This isn’t just a timeline marker. It’s a declaration. Genesis 1 isn’t written like a science textbook—it’s more like a song, a poem of worship. It paints a picture of a God who brings beauty out of chaos, light out of darkness, and purpose out of nothing.
Where other ancient creation stories spoke of violence and gods at war, Genesis tells a better story. A God who doesn’t create out of bloodshed but with His voice. A God who doesn’t make slaves but image-bearers. A God who looks at His world and declares, “It is very good” (Genesis 1:31).
And what do we learn about Yahweh—the Creator—from this origin story?
- He speaks order into chaos. When life feels formless and void, God still says, “Let there be light.” (Gen. 1:3)
- He names and defines. In a world of confusion, God brings identity and clarity. He names the light “day” and the darkness “night.” (Gen. 1:5)
- He blesses and commissions. Humanity is told to tend and steward creation—not exploit it, but cultivate it like a gardener (Gen. 1:28).
- He rests and dwells. On the seventh day, God isn’t exhausted—He’s enthroned. Creation is His temple, and He invites us to share His rest. (Gen. 2:2–3)
This is the better story Genesis tells. Not a story about meaningless chaos or cosmic accidents, but about a God who creates, blesses, and dwells with His people.
And here’s the beautiful truth: the same God who created in the beginning is still creating today. Still speaking light into dark places. Still bringing order into the chaos of our lives. Still calling us to reflect His image in the world. Still inviting us to enter His rest.
So let me leave you with a question: Where in your life right now do you need to hear God say, “Let there be light”?
Maybe it’s in the middle of grief, anxiety, or uncertainty. Maybe it’s in your relationships, your work, or your faith. Wherever you feel the void or the darkness, remember—Yahweh creates. He has from the very beginning, and He is still creating now.
Let’s not get lost in debates about timelines or details. Instead, let’s lift our eyes in awe and remember:
In the beginning, Yahweh created…
And what might He create in us today?