Weekly Wisdom – Genesis 1:14-25
“And God said,”
Genesis 1:3
There are three fundamental truths that Moses emphasized in this lesson and throughout the entire context. The first is the existence of a single Sovereign God, eternal and the creator of all things. The second principle is that everything He created reflects His mind or Essence, embodying truth and revealing His nature (John 1:1). In essence, we can regard these creations as the offspring of His mind. The third principle is found in the second verse: “and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters,” signifying that God established His presence within His creation. These three principles underpin the entire Bible (Spirit, soul, and mind).
Three essential components for life on Earth are light, water, and the right nutrients. Moses seemed to have grasped this basic concept from a scientific perspective. God, in His wisdom, created things in an orderly manner to accommodate these necessities. This orderly creation is a key principle in Theology, emphasizing that mutations are not part of the divine design. Moses, steeped in both Jewish and Egyptian teachings, would have integrated the concept of the seventh-day Sabbath rest into his creation teachings. The inspiration behind Moses’ writings was hidden in the process leading to his birth.
Another important principle to consider is the concept of “Greater and lesser lights.” This message is intertwined with respect and appreciation, mirroring the way we evaluate the worth, meaning, and power of various elements in our world, society, and our lives. Just as God distinguishes between His perfect and permissive will, truth and grace, blessings and cursings, we differentiate between greater and lesser, higher and lower, brighter and dimmer, wiser and less wise.
When the Bible begins with “In the beginning God,” it immediately conveys the idea of the greater. Nothing conceived by anyone, including myself, could surpass God in greatness, wisdom, mercy, love, patience, and longsuffering. In the vast expanse of the universe, I am smaller than a grain of sand. This lesson is embodied in the analogy of the brightest light (the sun) and the Moon, which has no light of its own but reflects the sun’s brilliance. God not only illustrates the concept of greater and lesser but also establishes that He is the greater, and we are the lesser.
The message is to recognize and adhere to this order, as it should be. Unfortunately, many people today refuse to accept the truth, believing they are wiser, but ego is a deceiver, and a deceiver is a liar, with Satan as the father of all lies. Deception led Adam and Eve astray and continues to erode our world today. People often choose deception because fantasy is alluring and addictive, overshadowing life’s realities (Genesis 3:4-5). Yet, there is a greater light, and wise individuals seek it to become wiser.
Our constitution is a shining light in the world, safeguarding our nation for centuries. However, it wasn’t founded on human imagination but on godly principles. While it may not be the brightest light, it, like the moon, reflects the values of the brightest light. I always say that two things I hold in the highest regard are the Constitution and the Bible. These foundations have preserved our freedom because the brightest light has shone upon us and will continue to do so as long as we acknowledge His greatness and our own insignificance.
I don’t concern myself with the specifics of how God achieved this; I am thankful every day for why He did it and allowed me to be a part of it. I gravitate towards the greater light because I despise darkness and love the light. I know there is a higher law, and even though humanity may not fully comprehend how to access its power, I seek it and all that it can do for this tiny grain of sand.
The book of Genesis encompasses beginnings, stories, allegories, and Theology. While some may find fault with its historical accuracy, scientific content, or mathematics, God’s wisdom permeates every word. Just because our limited human minds may not fully grasp it doesn’t disqualify the book. The wisdom of God is the only source of true life and living. We owe gratitude to Moses for his unwavering belief in the One true Sovereign God.
Reflective Question
Consider the emphasis on order in creation. In what ways can recognizing and appreciating order as it is revealed in divine wisdom contribute to a sense of harmony and purpose in your own life? If you are feeling the freedom, share a personal anecdote of how divine wisdom provided order within your life in the comments below.