In the Beginning . . . (Genesis 1:1 & John 1:1)

God knows the end from the beginning,[1] and He supplies the need before we even know it exists. Before we were ever created, before we ever had a need, God filled our need. It’s right there in Genesis 1:1-5.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.’”
~ Genesis 1:1-5

~*~

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
~ John 1:1-5

Do you see it? Do you see the connections to Christ in the verses in Genesis with the verses in John?

Parallel pictures (Red Thread Clues) abound, starting with the first three words in both passages: “In the beginning…”

I’ve highlighted others, but the connection I want to focus on here is this:

 “. . . darkness was over the surface of the deep . . .God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.” ~ Genesis 1:2-4

These words are beautifully reflected in John, particularly:

“In Him [Christ] was life, and the life was the Light of men…. The Light shines in the darkness . . .”~ John 1:4-5 

“In Him [Christ] was life, and the life was the Light of men…. The Light shines in the darkness . . .” John 1:4-5

Our world isn’t just dark; it’s a mess, corrupted by sin. Sin brings a darkness over our hearts and makes a giant mess of everything. 

I love the intentionality of God! Have you ever tried to clean up a mess in the dark? God sent the Light we needed into the darkness of the mess before the mess was even made—and it was a huge mess.

It reminds me of the Baby Shower I recently attended—the shower wasn’t a mess; it was beautiful—but we showered my friend with everything she’d need for that messy baby she’s about to have. Before her baby’s even born, we’ve prepared her. She’s now well equipped with diapers, wipes, bibs, burp rags, an assortment of soaps, and a wardrobe of adorable, clean clothes.

Here’s a silly thought: Imagine if God had given Adam and Eve a Baby Shower before they’d had their first child. Would they have had second thoughts about this “blessing” God was about to give them seeing as it was clearly going to be such a mess. (And not to give the story away, but their first child was Cain–he defines “mess.”)

Is it possible God makes babies so messy as a way to show us our true nature from birth?  We were each born a mess thanks to no-good, dirty, rotten sin being passed down to all mankind from Adam and Eve.

I don’t care how cute your little baby is! He was born a mess because he was born a sinner! I know you’re thinking, “Not my baby!” You’ll see. One of your child’s first words will be, “No!” or “Mine!” Your little angel was born with sin bound up in her cute little heart, but that won’t stop you from loving your child with your whole heart, mess and all.

With each of my three babies, regardless of the mess I knew they’d create, I dreamed of the moment I’d cradle them in my arms and our eyes would connect. No amount of mess would stop me from wanting my children—but I’m still glad I was prepared. My children are worth every mess they’ve created! Having children helps me understand why God—knowing us as He does—was still willing to create us—to create me!

Before the foundation of the world, God knew everything I would ever do, and yet He still entrusted me with life. “God,” I want to ask, “why would You trust me with this body?  Don’t You know what I’m going to do with it? To Your creation?”

Genesis 1:1-5 tells me His answer would be, “I know perfectly. That’s why, even before you called, I answered. Before you took your first breath, I set heaven and earth in motion to save you; to bring you into a relationship with Me. I planned your rescue before you drew your first breath.”

If God planned to save the world from sin before the first sin was even committed, can you even doubt that He’s already planned your rescue from your current trial even before you needed rescuing? Your child’s rescue before he/she needs rescuing? Your friend’s? Your mother’s? Your fathers?

Before we even called, God answered. When God calls you, will you answer?

Romans 10:13