“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the
earth.”
(Genesis 1:1; English Standard Version)
With one profound sentence, Scripture introduces us immediately and directly to the sovereign authority of God. Genesis, the “book of beginnings,” begins not with mankind, nor with arguments for God’s existence, but simply with the majestic proclamation that God was there before anything else existed—and from His powerful word flowed all creation.
This short verse stands in dramatic contrast to other ancient Near Eastern cultures, which often pictured creation as a byproduct of conflicts between gods or accidental explosions of violence. But here, Moses—traditionally understood as the author—clearly affirms a purposeful, ordered, and deliberate creation arising from the character of one true and eternal God. God’s voice echoes through chaos, transforming emptiness (“tohu vabohu,” Hebrew words used in Genesis 1:2, meaning utterly unformed or chaotic) into order and beautiful harmony.
Augustine of Hippo, in his valued work Confessions and City of God, reminds Christians that Genesis intentionally portrays God beyond the space-time He created; the command “Let there be…” emphasizes God’s ability to freely create out of nothing (“creatio ex nihilo”). Creation does not arise from eternal matter, a concept prevalent in ancient Greek philosophy, but rather from God’s free, loving, sovereign, and purposeful command.
Suggested Cross-reference: John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-16; Hebrews 11:3.
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he
created them; male and female he created them.”
(Genesis 1:27; New International Version)
The climax of Genesis chapter 1 comes with this remarkable proclamation: humanity is crafted in God’s own image, the “Imago Dei.” Every human being, male and female alike, shares a dignity that elevates us uniquely above the rest of creation. Consider carefully the profound ways this truth has shaped contemporary values on human rights, dignity, vocation, creativity, justice, relationship, and stewardship.
The ancient cultures surrounding Israel typically reserved the title “image of god” only for kings and leaders, emphasizing that only rulers represented god-like qualities. Genesis challenges and overturns that cultural norm by declaring dramatically that every single human person bears divine resemblance. You, your neighbor, the stranger you meet—each carries the imprint of eternity. How remarkably this teaching reminds us to honor life, care deeply about justice and compassion, and pursue healthy community!
Great thinkers like Martin Luther pointed out that although sin has marred this image, it is not entirely erased. Calvin, likewise, underscored that this spiritual imprint implies human accountability in stewardship (“dominion”); it is not a tyrannical rule, but a loving responsibility from our King-Maker.
Suggested Cross-reference: Psalm 8:4-8; Psalm 139:13-16; James 3:9.
Genesis 1 extends into the early verses of chapter 2, showing the completion of creation with God’s own act of rest, blessing the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). Sabbath rhythm—resting intentionally, reflecting upon meaning and purpose, and reconnecting with our Maker—is woven here into the very fabric of creation.
To an ancient people whose identity was shaped by laborious toil in Egypt, the Sabbath was a revolutionary concept—an affirmation of God’s providential care and the recognition of humanity’s most basic need to pause, rest, reconnect, and remember. Western readers, whose busy lives (often idolizing productivity) can miss this idea, should particularly note that God’s rest demonstrates that work is good, but work alone does not define our humanity.
The Hebrew word “Shabbat” originally suggests ceasing from labor, taking deep breaths, and enjoying quiet fellowship. Sabbath invites us to reclaim rhythm, balance, and intentional reconnection with God. Augustine wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You.” Creation itself points toward this rest.
Suggested Cross-reference: Exodus 20:8-11; Hebrews 4:9–11; Matthew 11:28–30.
It is helpful to understand Genesis 1 within its historical and literary setting. Historically, Israel emerged into an environment saturated with mythological cosmologies. Genesis carefully challenges and refines these beliefs, showing God’s purposeful authority over mere accidents, gods at war, or inexplicable natural phenomena.
Literarily, Genesis 1 is poetic prose, intentionally structured toward completeness and perfection, using repetition and rhythmic patterns (“And God said,” “and it was good,” evening and morning). The Hebrew verb “bara’,” used here for God’s creative act, uniquely applies exclusively to God’s creation, reinforcing divine initiative and sovereignty.
“This Is My Father’s World” (by Maltbie D. Babcock). This hymn beautifully affirms the goodness, intentionality, and sovereignty of God as Creator, celebrating creation as God’s artful design.
Almighty and Everlasting Creator,
We stand in awe of your greatness and grace that spoke the universe into
existence.
You lovingly fashioned order from chaos, light from darkness, and beauty
from emptiness.
Teach us to recognize your image planted deeply within every person we
meet.
Show us our role as wise stewards, responsible caregivers of this
precious creation.
Let our restless souls find rest in your presence,
And may our lives reflect your goodness and creative beauty.
We pray these things in the name of the One through whom all things were
made,
our Savior and risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.