In the beginning........

Beginnings. In modern times, this is a very controversial subject. It is not for me. I know the truth and believe it. The true story of the beginning is told in the Bible, in the book of Genesis. In fact, that is what the word Genesis means, “Beginnings”. In my opinion, it is a key book of our faith. Have you ever considered your view of this book? Is Genesis a book you consider filled with “children’s stories”?

The first verse of Genesis, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”, is a key verse to me. In order to BELIEVE the first verse of John, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”, the logic follows that you must believe the other verse. I did not realize that I did not BELIEVE that for years. I was trying to change the truth of the Bible to fit “science”. I realized that I was trying to discount a first hand description of creation. God wrote it-inspired it-and He was there. This is a subject close to my heart. If you are interested, just ask, and I will tell you how God showed me the error of my way of thinking. I am thankful to be one of God’s creations and under His authority. It makes my life much easier to live when I know I must be obedient to Him.

I am trusting that you will take a new look at Genesis. I have mentioned before that I love the Old Testament--I love the New Testament too--that I think we “gloss over” it and view it as children’s Bible stories. While there are many people that our children should know, and know how God was faithful to them, there is a lot to learn for all ages in there. Through the Beth Moore study of The Patriarchs, I came to know, love, dislike, be disappointed by, rejoice with and cry with these chosen founders of the faith. We came to see the DYSFUNCTION in families, the tragic situations, and the very opposite of “children’s stories”. I know I felt sorry for Rachel, made her my favorite “wife” and then got disappointed in her for scheming. I got mad at the brothers for their treatment of Joseph, and then was sad when the consequences changed their lives, and rejoiced as they became the “band of brothers”. I loved Joseph, and then realized be was a brat!

I think this has been the lesson for me, that this is how God wants us to see them. The Bible is the inspired word of God. He wrote the book. He told us this stuff, all the “dirty laundry”. It helps us to see us in them. We can feel the hopelessness of Leah, as her life was not what she thought it would be, and many ladies can feel it personally. We can feel the “control issues” of Rebekah, as she wants to “help” God, and once again, many of us know firsthand. There is hope in seeing the human frailties of the Patriarchs. God used them, and their weaknesses, for His purposes. He can use us too. And most of all, through their weaknesses, we see the strength of El Elyon--the Most High.

Genesis is the book of beginnings. It is the book of how God created us, and showed us the need for a Redeemer. It is the beginning of our faith. And it shows us that through it all, HE IS FAITHFUL!!!!