At the end of my introductory blog, I suggested that we next explore the sources / inputs in our thought life. However, as I sit to write this blog I believe that before we look in more detail at thought life, we should continue developing context in a broad, foundational sense.
Earlier, I shared Webster’s definition of context, as follows:
2. the whole situation, background, or environment relevant to a particular event, personality, creation, etc.
I also suggested that our viewpoint – our perspective – shapes how we draw conclusions and define reality. We do this every day, I believe both on a conscious and subconscious levels.
With this in mind, I want to share some thoughts on creation, the origin of the universe and why – for what purpose – did the universe come into existence. As I offer this, one can readily begin to recognize my context, my viewpoint.
The realms of the heavens and earth (and life upon the earth) provide the context by which God may be seen, known, and understood.
God is Spirit. Inasmuch, He is invisible. His essence is Love. In the most concise of terms, God is a Spirit who loves. He desires to reveal Himself and be known, for the sake of relationship with His chosen creation. Love cannot be known if it is not demonstrated. I believe Love is experientially understood.
Nothing exists outside of God. All of creation (the universe, galaxies, the solar system, planets, stars, time & space, humanity), was spoken into existence by Him, and is continually sustained in Him (Colossians 1:15-17). Therefore, like my niece in Palo Duro Canyon (trying to see the hole while she was in the hole), we cannot get outside of God to see / know / observe / describe Him.
Genesis chapter 1:3 (NKJV) says, “Then God said, ‘Let there be light;’ and there was light.” What light? This verse is describing the first day of creation. The sun, moon and stars were not created until the fourth day (Genesis 1:14-17); therefore, “Let there be light” was not a reference to the sun.
When God said, “Let there be light,” He was, on one level, declaring, ‘Let there be revelation. Let there be understanding.’ Light illuminates, it reveals what is veiled in darkness. Genesis 1:2 (NKJV) says, “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was on the face of the deep.”
“The face of the deep. ” Have you ever paused and wondered, what is the face of the deep? I encourage you to read Psalm 42. I will share a couple of verses here that I believe give us insight into “the deep.”
Psalm 42:1-2 (NIV) says, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” As this Psalm continues, the writer describes his downcast heart and his pursuit of God in the midst of his despair. Then, in verse seven we encounter the psalmist describing his experience with God in the midst of his heartache. “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” Looking at this statement in the context of other scriptures, one finds a consistent reference to God as a fountain of life, and rivers of living water. Deep calling out to deep…. His spirit calling to our spirit…. Spirit to spirit communion.
Let’s got back to Genesis chapter one. In the beginning, darkness (unknown) covered the face of the deep (God). I believe the face of God was covered by the unknown. God, Who describes Himself as “I Am,” exists but was not known.
In light of these thoughts, I offer that the context for God creating the realms of the heavens and the earth (and all that is contained therein) is to have a setting in which He may be known. Before there were heavens and the earth, God exists. Therefore, I believe that heaven is not God’s home. Scripture describes heaven as His throne (Isaiah 66:1) and as a storehouse containing treasures (Deuteronomy 28:12; Matthew 6:20). The realms of the heavens contain the invisible reality of God’s dominion / sovereignty, as well as the treasures of His nature and character in which He desires to manifest in the visible realm of time and space upon the earth. (Luke 12:33; Matthew 13:44-46; Luke 16:11)
Like parents that prepare for the birth of their child (a home, a nursery room, bed, bottles, bath, clothing, etc.), God prepared a dwelling place perfectly suitable for His children. The universe, galaxies, the solar system, the earth, and its atmospheres were created to abundantly and perfectly provide all that would be needed for mankind to live in time and space.
It is in this arena that God’s goodness, kindness, and everlasting Love is to be visibly revealed to the rest of creation.
Next time, let’s explore the context / His purpose for creating mankind.
