The book of Genesis begins by telling us we live in God’s world, a world created, sustained, and bounded by the word of His command.
When God said, ‘Let there be light,’ ‘there was light’ (Gen. 1:3). Whatever God declared, it was so (Gen 1:7, 9, 11, 15, 24). The creation account underscores the absolute power and authority of God to create all things through His word. Astrophysicist Paul Davis who wrote the book The Mind of God thought that the greatest wonder in the universe is that we are given a mind to understand this universe. The deepest laws of the universe can be expressed mathematically. The inherent mathematical nature of this universe says that this universe has meaning and purpose, it didn’t happen by sheer chance. Ironically, Paul Davis is an atheist. Yet he believes that scientists, by doing their work, will end up thinking more about God than theologians.
And this is what Psalm 19:1-2 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands, day after day, they pour forth speech, and night after night they display knowledge.” Creation points to the goodness and greatness of God. He is a speaking God. And the result of His spoken word is always good.
In Genesis 1 the phrase “and God said” is repeated 10 times. Scholars suggest this parallels the Ten Commandments given to Israel at Mount Sinai. Moses is the author of Genesis. His first audience must hence be the generation that came out from Egypt and wandered in the wilderness, a place that was empty and void. The Ten Words at Sinai then were intended to give life and lead Israel from the wilderness into the promised land. Likewise, God spoke ten times to Pharaoh, to bring the ten plagues of judgment against the gods of Egypt to set Israel free. Consequently, Israel was redeemed and created as God’s new possession, pointing to God’s new creation. Therefore, God’s word is both redemptive and creative. It continues to be so today and much more.
As Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us, in the past God spoke to us through His prophets, but in these last days, He has spoken to us in His Son, the heir and the creator of all things. All things declare the glory of our risen Lord. Hence, whether we dig into His word or marvel at His world, may we rejoice daily in this privilege of knowing Him, from now into all eternity.