Reflection
- (Gen 1:11 ESV) And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so.
- (Gen 1:12 ESV) The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
- (Gen 1:13 ESV) And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
Discussion
God covered the earth in plants fully mature and complete in an instant. Those plants are both beautiful and functional at the same time. God could have made a world of grey squares with no beauty and all function, but He did not. He made a world full of unspeakable beauty and amazing function at the same time. To top that, the world is also a complete functioning system with plants, animals, earth, water, and the atmosphere all working together for the whole purpose of creation. It is hard to look at this and not see the majesty of God in His created order.
Connection
Have you ever seen a true masterpiece that perfectly combined essential function and beautiful art?
How did you respond to seeing that for the first time?
We see in the creation that God is a true master in art and function. We will see in a few verses that He also bestows this ability in humans. How can you see these attributes of God in your own life?
How can looking at the function and beauty in creation make you appreciate the nature of God even more?
Expansion
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the second member of the Trinity. He is co-equal with God the Father and the Holy Spirit in all power, authority, and dominion in the universe. He was co-creator and rules over all creation from heaven. Jesus existed before the world began. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary. Jesus lived a sinless life and is the only sacrifice for our sins, dying on the cross, and defeating death forever. He rose from the grave to return to heaven where He sits today. Because of His perfect sacrifice we have eternal life as heirs of God. He will return to restore His kingdom and judge all people according to the will of God.
Genesis 3:8, Genesis 16:7-13, Ephesians 1:15-23, Revelation, 22:16, Colossians 1:15-19, John 17:5, Matthew 1:23, Hebrews 1:3, John 14:9-10, Matthew 4:1-11, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:21-25, John 3:16-17, John 6:38, Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 1:20-23, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 24:38-43, Matthew 28:9, Acts 10:41, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 1:2-3, Revelation 3:21, John 5:22-23, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Timothy 4:7-8