Genesis 1-2: In the beginning

In the beginning, GOD.

First off, can we just acknowledge this amazing first sentence in Genesis 1? What a way to hook us in! Okay, the literary nerd in me is done. So the story starts with God, but who is He?

He is the main character in a plot that is just beginning to unfold. He creates, blesses, gives in abundance, is generous, gives ownership, is extravagant; He anticipates our needs. He not only makes but makes beautiful things. In short, He is pour-His-heart-out-SPOIL-His-children GOOD. Is it a coincidence that in our first introduction to God, we learn how desperately good He is?

Before He has even made man and woman, He is providing for them. He is already a father making, wrapping, anticipating the unveiling of his gift to mankind- a lush and lavish garden.

And after man is made there is a rush of excitement! God brings all His creation to Adam to see and name. Look at this! And this! And...(bringing out the woman)...THIS!!!

It's no wonder that, after all His making, after all this excitement, God needs a day of rest.

Thus God blessed day seven and made it special- an open time for pause and restoration, a sacred zone of Sabbath-keeping, because God rested from all the work He had done in creation that day.        Genesis 2:3, The Voice Bible

I think sometimes I'm afraid to say that God needs something. As if that made Him weak. But He rests from all His work on that seventh day- He pauses.

Hm. Isn't this an interesting verse to bring up during this time of the year? This time of resolutions, the initial rush of thisyearIwillbebetter. My endless pursuit of value- I hope in helping you, you will find me more valuable- If I just lose ___ lbs then I will be beautiful and valuable- If I learn to do (insert creative past time here) people will think I'm awesome and valuable. But what does that say about who I believe God is? And what an exhausting way to spend my days and years- making resolutions to add to my value when it's already been given. It's already done. He made us and made us valuable.

The truth is, God knew that I would need rest. Rest from my work. Rest from my endless pursuit of value. And again, anticipating my needs, He has not only given me value but also rest. This is why the Sabbath is so important! This is why it is exciting! It is a mirror of God's provision, a weekly time for me to sit and remember that, whether I'm working or resting, God has everything under control. That my value in Him isn't conditional upon my getting things done or number of friends or even hours of service- that He desires for me to set aside one day out of seven to remember that He's Got This. That He Gives Good Things. One day out of seven to pause and remember who He is in Genesis 1.

As one of my good friends says every Sabbath,

"You are adopted, accepted, freed and forgiven- because of Christ you can rest."