Beginning

Genesis 1:1-3 NRSV

In the beginning when God created^* the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God^* swept over the face of the waters.

Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.

"In the beginning..."

Such a simple phrase, with such profound implications.

When was, "in the beginning?"

Nobody really knows.

Scientists can use their best tools and knowlege to give us their best guess, but the deep down truth is that no one can say for sure.

Scientific knowledge truly is a wonderful thing. Our lives have been enhanced beyond all measure as human beings have learned to build on the knowledge that these God-given minds can acquire.

But there can be a real loss for all of us if we forget one important fact:

"In the beginning..." there was God.

"In the beginning," goes beyond all of us and any ability that we might have to figure things out for ourselves.

Theologians and scientists can have interesting conversations with each other, you know. But ultimately the two are trying to answer different questions.

Scientists ask "how" and work to give verifiable answers through observation and data collection.

Theologians ask "why" and seek to push toward Truth through scripture, reason, tradition and experience.

Question: "How did we get here?"

Science: "Billions of years ago, there was a big bang...which led to an ever-evolving, changing expansion of the universe. Eventually, our own world evolved, life began and here we are today."

Theology: "Amazing. But why did that happen?"

Science: (Silence, then...slowly) "I don't see how that question is...relevant."

Theology: "Because God spoke. And there was light. And it was good."

Thank God that his nature is love...and creation...and relationship.

In the beginning...whenever that was...that time beyond our imaginations and limits...God spoke and created. And we are here.

Everything we are and all that we do...is a gift from God. And it is good.

Prayer: Help us always to remember that, "in the beginning," you were there. This very day exists because you said, "let there be light." You looked at creation and called it good. May we be a part of the good that you have created on this day.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen. Tomorrow's Scripture: I John 4:7-12, 18-21