Genesis 1:1-5 (NRSV)
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Chapter 1In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, Verse 2the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.
Verse 3Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. Verse 4And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. Verse 5God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
Devotion
This week we look ahead to the celebration next Sunday of the Baptism of Jesus by John; the beginning of God’s new creation. Today, in Genesis 1, we read of the first creation, when God began to create the universe. Two things stand out: the Spirit (or breath or wind) of God and the voice (or words) of God. God says, “Let there be light.” And there is light. God speaks and it is so, because God’s own Spirit/breath makes it so. By the end of the creation account human beings are also brought into being by God’s voice and Spirit—in God’s image, under God’s care. This creating work of God continues to uphold us and all creation every day. God’s voice and the Spirit: keep them in mind as we consider Jesus’ baptism and ours.
Prayer
Lord God, you have created me and all that exists. You have given me and still preserve my body and soul with all their powers. You provide all things necessary for your people. For this we thank and praise you and seek to serve and obey you. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.