Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Come Holy
Spirit, Transform the Creation
“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” (V.2)
The words, “In the beginning…” are the first words of the
Bible. These words convey to the reader of the Bible that that there was
nothing before except for God himself. This is the beginning of
time. After these words, God starts to create. This world is a “formless
void” and then a “wind from God” starts sweeping the oceans as if looking to
create something on earth. Genesis 1 tells us of each of God’s creation
progressively leading up to His master creation, humans. This progression
of creation is the evidence of how God values humans. He creates all not
in one day but in many days to show His thoughtfulness and care for what He
will gift to man. He sets everything in order so that His children will
benefit from it.
While God considers us His children, we have lost our way
and have rejected our father and creator. This is evident by the fact
that we do not put God as a priority in our life. Our jobs,
accomplishments, material possessions, relationships, wants, and other
distractions have become our target. We are trying to create and shape
our world, our life. All this is “vanity of vanities, says the Teacher,
vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) Our life is
as void, empty, and in darkness as the early universe of Genesis 1:1.
The transformative force of the early universe is God’s “wə-rū-aḥ” (Gen
1:2) or what we simply refer to as “ruah” (a word used in the Malayalam worship
order). The word in Hebrew (ruah) can be translated as wind or
breath or spirit. Hence God’s spirit, the Holy Spirit, is what seems to
be the beginning of change in the early Earth. So for our void life to be
transformed into what God sees as “Good” (as He declares after each day of
creation) we must also allow this spirit to sweep over us.
What happens when the spirit enters us? The next
step will be as recorded in Gen 1:3, “Let there be light.” Light shows us
what is hidden in the darkness and enables to view our sins with clarity.
Not only does light show us our shortcomings but it makes us a beacon for
others. The Glory of God will shine through us to lighten the path for
our brothers and sisters. Then God will see that His creation is
“Good.”
Light also has another property, it gives energy and
life. The light from our sun is essential to our life. Without it,
life on earth would cease to exist. This is also what happens to our
spiritual life. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows
me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).
Prayer: Lord
Jesus, sweep your Holy Spirit on my void, insignificant, and dark life.
Transform me into a beautiful creation so that I will be “Good” in your sight….Amen
Thought for the day:
Inward transformation by the Holy Spirit is expressed in the outward love for
God and others.
Jacob
Abraham