Lesson Three

GOD’S BEAUTIFUL CREATION

Memory Verse: Genesis 1:1
Further Study: Genesis 1:1-23; Psalm 33:6-9; John 1:1-3; PP 44; SR 20; BS, vol. 1, pp. 13-34

One doesn’t start building a house with the roof. One doesn’t start a story with the ending. We start at the beginning.

This, too, is how Genesis begins. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Linger here a moment as we imagine Creation. Form pictures in your mind as we watch the beginning unfold. There is no form, only darkness. Light begins to pierce through the blackness. A horizon appears separating the sky from the water. The waters gather together, and dry land appears. “And God saw that it was good.”

Good? This is not unlike Michelangelo looking at a block of marble, Handel contemplating his harpsichord, or DaVinci staring at a blank canvas. At this point there is only time, weather, and foundation. No splash of color. No interesting details. Yet God pronounces it good. Why? Because God sees what will be.  

No interesting details. Yet God pronounces it good. Why? Because God sees what will be.

“Nowhere was there even a blade of grass or clinging lichen. Yet it seemed good to its Maker, who could see it in relation to the uses for which He had made it, and as a fit preparatory step to the new wonders He was going to introduce” (BC, vol. 1, p. 212).

The newborn who won’t sleep, the toddler who resists toilet training, the awkward middle schooler, the challenging teenager, the young adult who cannot find their path, the mature adult whose path is less than they imagined, the senior whose life, health, and future are uncertain—all are in progress. God sees lives as Michelangelo saw David in a block of marble, Handel heard an oratorio, and DaVinci saw a Mona Lisa. God sees you, His creation, in preparation for His purpose for your life.

God sees you, His creation, in preparation for His purpose for your life.

Are you discouraged? Disheartened? Having difficulty seeing your next step? Wondering how you will survive this moment you are in? Do not despair. Your sight is limited. It’s what sin brings to our world. What God sees, though, is an opening to the wonder He will introduce. You are His creation. You have a purpose. Trust in Him. You may see only a blank canvas or a wobbly foundation. The color is lacking. The details unclear. But God sees you, and what He sees, is good.

Digging Deeper 

Genesis 1:1 tell us how the earth began and reminds us of the importance of beginnings. While we as humans are finite, with both a beginning and an end, God is without beginning and end. Remind yourself of our infinite and eternal God by reading these scriptures.

  1. Hebrews 1:10-12; Psalm 90: 2, 10. While we as humans, have a beginning and an end, our Creator is infinite.
  2. Colossians 1:18; John 1:1-3. God is the beginning.
  3. Psalm 111:10; James 1: 17. All things have their beginning with Him.
  4. Genesis 1:26, 27; John 3:5; 1 John 3:1-3. Our lives must find a new beginning in Him.
  5. Philippians 1:6. We find assurance in this promise: “. . . that He who has begun a good work in you will complete ituntil the day of Jesus Christ . . .”
  6. Hebrews 12:2. Our God will see us through. He is “the author and finisher of our faith.”

*Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 207.

“Christ can look upon the misery of the world without a shade of sorrow for having created man. In the human heart He sees more than sin, more than misery. In His infinite wisdom and love He sees man’s possibilities, the height to which he may attain. He knows that, even though human beings have abused their mercies and destroyed their God-given dignity, yet the Creator is to be glorified in their redemption” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings, pp. vii, viii).

Making it Real

The best way to revel in God’s creative power is to be out in nature. Granted, you may be reading this during the cold months of winter, but there is still much to be seen and felt by spending time outdoors.

    1. Take a walk even if it means bundling up. As you walk, what can you discover that demonstrates God’s goodness? His power? His strength?
    2. How can learning about creation help you trust God more?
    3. Unable to get outside? Look out your window. What can you see? How does it make you think of God?
    4. Watch a nature video. As you do let the Holy Spirit fill your soul with affirmation: God sees the potential of your life, and “it is good.”

Respond & Share

The first days of Creation simply create the canvas. The next days will bring beauty in vegetation, birds, and animals. How are you like a canvas that God is working to create something beautiful? Share your thoughts below.

 

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Merle Poirier writes from Silver Spring, Maryland, where she works as the operation manager for Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines as well as the designer for KidsView, a magazine for 8-12-year-olds. She enjoys spending time with her family including being the grandmother of two active little boys, who greatly enjoy Starting With Jesus.

 

Coming next week:
“GOD’S CREATION FINISHED”

Based on Genesis 1:24-2:1, Genesis 2:7; Psalm 8:4,5;
PP 44-51; SR 20-23; BS, vol. 1, pp. 35-56

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