Theme of the Week: The Holy Spirit
Bible Verse: Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Genesis 1:2
Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1-31; Psalm 104:30
I’m probably not the definition of a helicopter parent. But on the scale of exceedingly permissive to ace helicopter pilot, I’m probably closer to the latter than the former. I want to make sure my kids are safe and that they are making good decisions. They are kids after all and don’t have all the information required to make the best decisions they can. So, I hover. I help them safely explore. I help them sort things out.
At the dawn of creation, there was still much to be figured out. There was a lot of chaos and turbulence. The Bible says that things were formless and void, which is a Hebrew way of saying chaotic, and that the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters (another symbol of chaos and danger).
That’s a beautiful picture. The Spirit hovering over an unfinished creation. It’s the same language used to describe a mother hen caring for her chicks. Protecting them from the dangers outside, allowing them to grow and learn in a safe environment. That’s exactly what the text in Genesis says about the Spirit of God.
All the creative activity of the following six days after Genesis 1:1-2 takes place under the hovering protective wings of the Spirit. The text paints the picture of the Spirit providing a shelter under which the chaos and tumult can find order and goodness. Under the shadow of the Spirit’s wings, light and darkness are separated, earth and sky likewise. Protected beneath the hovering Spirit, life finds its place and flourishes.
The Spirit of God brings order from the chaos. That’s our introduction to the Spirit’s work, and that is how the Spirit is pictured throughout the Bible. In various ways and circumstances, we see and experience the Spirit’s power to bring order to chaos. This week we’re going to look at some of the stories where the Spirit’s power visits humanity to help bring peace and order. Let’s praise God for the ordering and calming presence of the Spirit.
Prayer: God of creation, thank you for bringing order to the chaos of the universe and order to the chaos of my soul. Help me to rely on your power to live for you in your kingdom. Amen.
Reflection: How have you seen God bring order out of chaos? Is there an area of your life where you are still waiting to see God’s order?
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