Genesis 1, 2 Peter

Monday, Nov. 26, 2007 – Brandon Hatmaker


(Genesis 1)

While there are many incredible things to discuss in the first chapter of Genesis, there are two that stand out to me today that I want to take note of. The first is the power of God. Throughout the chapter God “spoke”, and it was. That’s it. He said, “Let there be…” and it was. Wow. This is the same God that claims us as His children today.

The last few days my five year old has been sick. It’s been miserable for him. But it’s been miserable for us as well. I hate it as a parent when I feel powerless. Literally nothing I could do to comfort him. Jen or I could scratch his back while he’s awake in the middle of the night and give him advil for his fever. We could try and comfort him and hold him while he’s crying because his throat hurts so bad. We could try to convince him to eat although he doesn’t want to swallow. But we are so limited.

Our God, spoke and it was. Believer, let me ask you, what problem will we encounter in life that our God cannot pull us through, protect us in, or lift us up? It doesn’t exist. Sin. No problem. Death. No problem. You name it. Thank you God.

The second is found in verse 2, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep.” This is the first time I’ve ever thought about it this way, but this is a great picture of our lives prior to Christ: formless, empty, and dark. What an amazing image of what all our hopes and dreams look like without a divine perspective of eternity. What an amazing example of the true value of an accomplished personal goal without the hand of God. Without him, we are truly passing away. To claim a famous line from a song “just dust in the wind.”

Father, I pray for the continued confidence and growing faith in your power. God may we entrust with you all of our lives. All of our possessions are from you. All our blessings in life, all our opportunities in life, are from you. Thank you Lord. Give us a faith to trust in you. May we be encouraged to continuously be amazed by your faithfulness, your power, and your love. May we always give you credit when we see it.

(2 Peter 3)

In speaking of the inevitable return of Christ, Verse 14 challenges us, “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”

It’s amazing how much time and effort we give towards gaining approval of man instead of God. Yet scripture says to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with HIM. I think this is why this theme is found so often throughout scripture. It’s a problem for us. It’s one of the key things that keep us from moving forward in so many areas of our lives.

Now we certainly have to consider others feelings, perspectives, etc… that is a given. But when something is right, or God is leading, we must do it. To the best of our ability, we must consider the impact on others and follow God. This verse reminds us that we stand accountable to God, not man. This should give us comfort.

So here’s a question, when do we listen to man? I think when it’s obviously Godly counsel. Once again, when it’s obviously Godly counsel. Why? Because when it is Godly, it’s obvious. When it comes from someone who has a greater perspective than you, that you trust. Someone you know who spends more time in God’s Word than you. It’s someone that talks more about the ways of Jesus than the ways of the world. Someone who is always sharing what God is doing in their lives because God is always working in their lives, and it’s evident. It’s someone who is always looking out for other people more than themselves. It’s someone that is proven not to have an agenda. This may not always be a person of power or position. It may just be someone God has placed in your life who has been a humble servant of the King for many years.

It’s tragic how much self-focused counsel we give and receive as believers. It’s difficult for us to even see through our own personal agenda to realize that there is a life and a vision outside of ours. When our whole life is about us, we become blind to the world around us.

God, this morning I pray for continued clarity and confidence in the desire to gain your approval. That we would stand blameless before you alone. God, give us the strength to give counsel only that is from you and help us to see when our selfishness is taking over. Give your children the discernment to know what is counsel that is of you, and what is of man. May we claim verse 18 as a prayer that we may, “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” So that to him, be glory both now and forever!