Online House Church Community

“⁹O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!” (Ps.8:9)

Gen. 1:1-2:4a “¹In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ²Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep…”(Gen. 1:1-2) It is often said that the Bible contradicts science. The creation story is often used as an example of this statement. Yet, we read the earth was formless and dark. Science states that galaxies are formed from a black hole. From the galaxy a planet was chosen; earth. Water was formed first – science is seeking water on Mars to identify the possibility of life. Then dry land appeared with vegetation growing. Then God said “Let the water teem with living creatures…” Next God said “Let the land produce living creatures…” Finally God created mankind. The progression in the Bible is exactly the same sequence that science describes. Science does not contradict the Bible; it proves it to be accurate. This is especially remarkable when one considers that Moses wrote Genesis 3500 years ago – long before science “discovered” the progression of the earth’s formation.

Psalm 8 “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers – the moon and the stars you set in place – ⁸what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” (Ps. 8:3-4) When one looks at the photos from the Hubble telescope, we can start to realize the vastness of space – with multitudes of galaxies whose size is measured by light years. Yet God has a personal interest in each individual on one tiny planet in the Milky Way Galaxy, planet Earth. In the 39^th Psalm we can read: “⁵My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” (Ps. 39:5) Yet, each breath is important!  How do we comprehend the reality that we are such a tiny dot in the cosmos? Yet God has a fatherly interest in every dimension of our lives.  God’s love, like His power, is unlimited. It is like the air we breathe – it surrounds us and it fills us and gives us the ability to live and to have a purpose in life.

Matt. 28:16-20 “¹⁹Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20)  After Jesus defeated death and returned to life in a super-natural form, what else was left for Him? His final act on earth was to give instructions to his disciples as they assumed responsibility for His ministry. The process God initiated with creation will not be complete until all humanity acknowledges their need for a Savior. He commissioned his followers to reach out to the entire world and teach them to obey his commands. God has illustrated his commitment to our obscure planet through his incarnation, redemption and salvation.

His promise is to be with us always, even to the end of the age.

To receive that promise we have the obligation to work in His service – take Jesus’ message to all parts of the world.

When we live the lifestyle described, God has promised to join with us. When we have God in our midst, we will be inspired to live the lifestyle described. The process grows and grows.

Since the beginning of creation, God has illustrated his commitment to humankind. We are commanded to make a commitment to Him. And the God of Heaven will bless you!

 Next week’s lectionary (May 25): Isaiah 49:8-16a; Psalm 131, Matt. 6:24-34; 1 Cor. 4:1-5.