We’ve spent a couple of months in our email devotions reflecting on the Old Testament story of Joseph. Many weeks we covered a chapter or more of scripture to hear God’s word. Between now and the start of the season of Advent, our church staff has decided to focus on single verses of scripture that help us to celebrate “The Good News.” This week, it’s about where it all starts, Genesis chapter 1, verse 1.

Different English Bibles give slightly different renderings of the words that were originally recorded in Hebrew.

New Revised Standard Version: In the beginning when God created^[a] the heavens and the earth,

Today’s English Version: In the beginning, when God created the universe,

The Living Bible: When God began creating^[a] the heavens and the earth,

I prefer to read this passage in the Revised Standard Version or the New International Version because they both start like this:

“In the beginning, God…”.

To me, that is the start of the Good News. It’s all about God – and how much God loves us.

 

In his book, The Purpose Driven Life, pastor Rick Warren gives the same introduction to the good news. The title of chapter one is “It All Starts with God.” And the opening line says “It’s not all about you.”

While the Good News is something that we can all celebrate, I find it good and comforting to claim that above all and before all and over all is God.

“In the beginning, God” started this whole thing that we call life and faith and purposeful living. And God has asked us to join in.

Prayer

Thank you, God, for making, claiming, saving, and loving us. Let my first thought each day be of You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.