Daily Reading for
1 January
Creation: In the Beginning
Texts: Genesis 1:1-2; John 1:1-5; Psalm 148:1-6
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.
In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels, Praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon, Praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.
He set them in place forever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.
Related texts: Psalms 102:25-28; 139:13-18; Proverbs 8; Isaiah 40:12-31; 45:18-25; Hebrews 11:1-3
Commentary
“In the beginning” sets a clear and direct tone for the words that follow in both texts recorded here. In Genesis, the declaration of God as the creator of the heavens and earth is made without explanatory details because none are necessary. Similarly, “In the beginning” used in the opening of the gospel of John states the fact of Jesus’ existence, his presence, and his collaboration in the creation of the heavens and the earth. Further, it affirms the essential and enduring role of Jesus in the lives of all mankind.
In light of these explicit statements, it is the obligation of all mankind to acclaim the glory and majesty of God. How awesome are the debts of the created things (in this case, you, me, and every other living person) to Him who is responsible for their existence, their subsistence, and their futures!
I don’t want to let a rock take my place – I want to give God the praise and glory with my own voice and of my volition. Bless the Lord with me.
