By the Word

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth. 
Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage. 

—Psalm 33:6, 12

Genesis 1 tells us that God spoke, and the universe was created. John 1 tells us that that Speaking—that Word—was in the beginning, was God, and was the means of creation. And in between there is this unsung hero of creation accounts, Psalm 33:6—By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.

And this is the theological basis for God's awesomeness. Why should everybody in the world be overwhelmed when we think of God? Because God spoke, and what is came to be (v. 9). Happy is the people whose God is this God. Not some puny vindictive god who apes the political opinions of its worshipers and is limited to their imaginings, but the God of creation. Belonging to this God is inexpressibly wonderful, but we must never forget the words of Jesus: I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice (John 10:16).  A voice that can create entire worlds can surely create in me a heart that can see beyond my own self, my own family, my own nation, and include others in my conception of the love of God.

I stand in awe of your creative power, God. Create in me the power to love others as much as I love myself, to make neighbors of people I have not yet met; in Jesus' Name. Amen.