A few days a week, our notoriously chaotic and tardy household experiences a mini miracle. Somehow, we make it downstairs in time to eat breakfast, and inevitably, my four-year-old daughter asks to listen to her favorite catechism songs. And before I’ve had one sip of coffee, it starts: kid voices, electronic synth background music, and “GOD IS THE CRE-A-TOR OF EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING!” Then it repeats, and repeats again, and even in my pre-caffeinated state, I’m aware and grateful that this will be the song my girl has stuck in her head all day.
“What is God?” The answer to this question, in some form or fashion, is foundational to every Church creed. It’s also touched upon in the very first sentence of Scripture. Everything started from God, who has no beginning and no end. And implicit in the story of creation is the sheer goodness, creativity, and affection of our Maker.
This is the truth God thunders from the whirlwind when He appears to the long-suffering Job. His speech in chapters 38 and 39 hearkens back to the story of creation in Genesis chapter 1: God created the earth and sea, the light and dark, the weather, the stars, and the animals (Job 38:4–39:30).
God presents two challenges to Job during His speech, and these two chapters contain the first. God is essentially asking, Do you understand how all this was made? How it all works? He is challenging Job’s finite understanding with all these questions. He’s challenging Job’s focus on himself.
God is not finished with His speech, but the start of it is more than enough for Job to fall back into his place. He has been reminded of Who he is speaking to, and just what the Maker of heaven and earth is capable of doing. And we, like Job, can marvel at His majesty and find our provision in His mercy.
The Heidelberg Catechism, written in 1563, poses this question and answer about the first line of the Apostles” Creed:
Question: What do you believe when you say,“I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth”?
Answer: That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them, who still upholds and rules them by his eternal counsel and providence, is my God and Father because of Christ the Son. I trust God so much that I do not doubt he will provide whatever I need for body and soul, and will turn to my good whatever adversity he sends upon me in this sad world. God is able to do this because he is almighty God and desires to do this because he is a faithful Father.
God is almighty and faithful, full of mercy and majesty, creativity and care. As He declares His infinite holiness in these chapters, He does so to one man, Job. But God’s message is an eternal, cosmic truth, an invitation for each of us to rest in the security of knowing that we, too, are intimately loved by our Creator.
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60 thoughts on "God’s First Speech"
“In the beginning God…” Sooner or later we each must decide if this is truth. Our response propels the trajectory of our worldview and how we will then live our lives. If God is sovereign, if He is the Creator, then I know my place, my purpose. But read past Genesis 1:1 and learn that though He is sovereign and creator, He is not distant. He came to dwell with the creation He loves. He gave His only Son that we might be with God forever. Read all the way through Revelation. Read of the Father God’s great and powerful love. You will stand amazed and you will fall to your knees in worship. We all will.
I would love to know where to purchase the catechism songs.
Praying for you Kristen. Praying that God can transform you – as He transformed me – from the inside out to rid your body of anxiety. Thoughts and feelings that cause worry are attacks from the enemy. Root yourself in daily scripture, remove triggers from your life and replace with worship. For me, I had to stop listening to NPR in the car and now I listen to praise music. Exercise and get a good nights sleep. God can free you from anxiety – I am a witness to his incredible power. To Him be all the glory.
Amen April a great testimony to His Power when we let go and let God paint a beautiful landscape in our lives daily.
Amen!
Praying for you Tricia – praying for discernment on the path you’re on. Praying that you will feel God close to you and that comfort and peace will abound. Praying that, in Jesus’s name, no cancer will be found in your chest. That any procedures have been used as God’s tools to remove cancer from your body.
This is beautiful. I get so anxious. This reminds me that He is in control and able to provide and work everything out. He loves us. I need to remember all of this. I don’t want to feel anxious, worried or tormented anymore. I do want to see God for who He is. I need to surrender more to Him. I’m scared. But, I know His ways are better, and the way I’m living isn’t giving total freedom that I could have in Jesus. Is it really living to be anxious so much during the day? Please pray for me.
Kristin, I’ve had Phillipians 4:6- 7 running through my head for days. It has helped! I know it will help you too.
Hi Kristen! Thank you for sharing your experience! I, too, deal with anxiety on the daily.
I try and remind myself as well that God is ultimately in control of everything. My job is to pray for the wisdom and guidance I need to navigate life and trust that God will faithfully lead the way.
One book I picked up recently is called Anxious for Nothjng by Max Lucado —a Christian author.
I’m not quite at the end but it’s really great so far :)
I’ve been in a season of anxiety too. It feels terrible to live scared and in fear of when anxiety the feelings will strike. I’m praying for you – that this amazing God that cares so much for us – will help you take every thought captive. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. Remember God, the Lord of Armies, is fighting for you – and me! The book – It’s Not Supposed to be this Way by Lysa TerKerst is also helpful. ❤️
How often do I overlook God’s majesty? How often do I take for granted the miracle of his creation? Are there even enough hours in a day to marvel at His goodness? And yet, He loves me. I am His and I call him, “Father.” How different today will be!
How often do I overlook God’s majesty? How often do I take for granted the miracle of his creation? Are there even enough hours in a day to marvel at His goodness? And yet, He loves me as His own and bids me call him, “Father.”
As I head off to Sloan Kettering in New York City to see the oncologist again, I will have a CT done to confirm that I have no cancer metastasized in my chest from the tumor I had in my leg. I am reminded of God’s power and that He is in control. He made me, and He has the ultimate power in my life. I’ve given it to Him. Please pray with me sisters, that the CT of my chest will show no cancer, as I am praying this. I have already declined chemo, as I don’t feel that is God’s desire for me. His will be done. Thank you so much. Tricia
Praying ❤️
Praying that God will do what only He can do. May you find rest and peace in knowing that He’s in control.
Amen!
Praying for you this morning.
Praying
Praying Tricia!
Praying beautiful sister in Christ! ❤️
I am praying for you Tricia. Rest and be at peace in God’s loving arms
Praying for you today. I pray that you will be filled with complete peace. I pray that whatever the outcome that God will make this count for His Kingdom.
Praying now
Praying for a clean bill of health for my courageous and strong sister Tricia! May His will be done in all things. Glorify His Name, our anchor.