When All Things Were New, God Spoke

“In the beginning was the Word…” (John 1:1)

It's fun to imagine what the world must have been like in the beginning.  Perhaps we picture expanses of unspoiled wilderness like those in national parks today.  I remember the first time we took the bus trip into Denali National Park in Alaska.  At each turn in the road we heard sounds of marvel at the vast tundra and high snow covered peaks.  

Tourists pressed with cameras by each window as we viewed the awesome size of a 1000lb bull Moose as he muscled his way through the thick brush, or the power of a great Grizzly Bear digging around boulders seeking ground squirrels for supper, while the wildlife were seemingly oblivious to the human presence driving by.

Or we may reflect on the wonder of new human life.  When all is safe and well, little children run and play and imagine and learn as if there's not a care in the world.  Maybe the creation was something like that when it was new.  There was nothing fearful to spoil the joyful play of God's creatures.

But the Bible also tells us the reason for the delight and joy that seem built into creation, when we see it at its best, "In the beginning was the Word."  Creation did not spring into ­being on its own.  In the beginning, God was there.  In the beginning, God was speaking to His creatures, sharing with them the joy of a full life.

God still speaks today.  People who know Jesus, the Word, not only see creation's beauty but also hear the Creator speaking with grace and truth.  God wants His creatures to live with Him. He wants us to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of His presence.

Can you hear the Word?