Genesis 1
Let everyone in the world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. – Psalms 33:8-9 NLT
Eight times in this opening chapter of the Old Testament we see the phrase, "Then God said…" With the power of His spoken word alone, God brought into existence all that we exists. He spoke and the sun, moon, and stars were immediately formed. He spoke and light miraculously broke through the darkness. He spoke and the heavens were formed. He spoke and the land and seas suddenly separated and took their proper places. He spoke and vegetation filled the earth. He spoke and fish filled the seas and birds filled the sky. He spoke and the land was filled with animals, reptiles, and insects of all kinds. He spoke and man…
It's interesting to note that this last time we are told that God spoke, rather than man immediately appearing, God simply states His intent to make man. This time it was going to be different. God did not speak man into existence. He formed Him. We will see that more clearly in chapter two. But when it comes to everything else, God simply spoke and His command resulted in the immediate formation of the universe. God's word is powerful and efficacious (capable of having the desired result or effect; effective as a means, measure, remedy, etc.). He speaks and things happen. He speaks and stars come into existence. He speaks and entire seas and land masses form. Yet, so often He speaks and I fail to listen. His word lacks power too often in my life. He speaks and I ignore. He speaks and I argue. He speaks and I refuse to obey.
Genesis sets up the power of God's word. It shows us that we worship a God whose very speech is packed with power and authority. He just needs to open His mouth and incredible things happen. Yet we fail to honor and respect His word. We fail to obey it or revere it. We don't stand in awe of it. The Net Bible has this to stay about the power of God's word. "By speaking, God brings the world into existence. The efficacious nature of the word of the Lord is a prominent theme in this chapter. It introduces the Law, the words and commandments from the Lord that must be obeyed. The ten decrees of God in this chapter anticipate the ten words in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:2-17)." When God speaks, we should listen. And He has spoken to us – through His prophets, His apostles, His Son, and His written word. He speaks to us through His Holy Spirit. He is not silent. He speaks loud and clear. But are we listening? Do you know what He is saying to you today? Do His words have power? Do they carry authority with you? The One who spoke the universe into existence wants to speak into your life today. Will you let Him?
Father, Your very word carries power with it. With just a word you could eliminate all You made. With a single word, You could destroy what men have spent decades building. Your word packs a punch. But I do not always listen to what You have to say. I don't always obey what I hear You say. And for that I ask Your forgiveness. I am hard of hearing too much of the time. I have selective hearing the rest of the time. I want to hear You and obey You more. May I learn to stand in awe of Your word this year. Amen