You would think that we would be talking about the end of time, all the time, especially with all the events going on in the world. But I felt as though the Lord was leading me this past Sunday to talk about the beginning of time from Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. There are four principles from this one verse that carries all the way through the bible that I would like us to consider.
- The principle of Time. The principle of Sovereignty. 3. The principle of Purpose. 4. The significance of Places.
THE PRINCIPLE OF TIME (In the beginning)
The term beginning is a term that serves as a marker for time. However, in this context its not about time but refers to the beginning of the story. Time had not begun yet. At the point of this scripture, we are still dealing in the time frame of eternity past. Time didn’t begin until the act of sin. When we think about eternity, it is normally about the things eternal or things with no end. Here we are thinking about things with no beginning.
However, the beginning of the story includes the beginning of time. There are many things to consider concerning the subject of time. Because you and I live in the boundaries of time our perspective loses understanding about God’s relationship to time.
- GOD IS IN CONTROL OF TIME. Over and over again there are set times in which the Lord would do certain things. Phrases such as set time or appointed time indicate that God orders time. A phrase is used in scripture, the process of time indicates that God is in control of the events through time. There is a phrase used, in the fullness of time. This indicates that there are things that fill up a set or appointed time that then causes time to move to other events. Ecc_3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. To discover what season of time we are in, we must hear from the one who controls time. Man has no power over time. Time moves and we can’t stop it. Time is not sensitive to man’s desires or needs. Man seems to live in a fantasy about time. We are enamored by the past, hopeful about the future, and fail to live in today.
- GOD DELIVERS US FROM THE BOUNDARIES OF TIME. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. From eternity past it has always been God’s desire to lift us out of time and put us into eternity future. It's all the things found in eternity that we strive for today and that only God can deliver. GLORIFICATION, JUSTIFICATION, REVELATION, AND PURE LOVE. All these things live in eternity. TRUTH is only in eternity. Most people hunger for truth but can’t receive it when it comes.
THE PRINCIPLE OF SOVEREIGNTY. (In the beginning God)
The Hebrew language gives certain attributes to the various names given for God. Here is the name (Elohim). This name is the plural form indicating the Godhead involved in the work from the beginning. The Hebrew language is the singular, dual, and plural form. The suffix “im” is the plural form of the word. The acts of God in Genesis 1:1 include the work of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
He is the beginning of the story. He is the middle of the story. He is the end of the story. Revelation 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Because of the complete sovereignty of God, man’s decision is only; what will I do about God? We can read the scripture about where we are in time, however, the only right conclusion is that we hid in the safety of the person of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. I sometimes wonder if those who profess to know Christ really believe that God is really the only hope we have? 1Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. If we consider what was in the beginning, then we can see the hand of God. In the beginning, was perfection. In the beginning, was pure holiness. In the beginning, was eternal power. In the beginning, was unhindered fellowship and relationship between God and man. The wonderful thing to consider about our future is, it will be just like the beginning. In the end, there will be perfection. In the end, there will be pure holiness. In the end, will be eternal power. In the end, will be unhindered fellowship with our God. The sovereignty of God consists of complete restoration back to the original point of creation.
THE PRINCIPLE OF PURPOSE. (In the beginning God created)
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. The purpose of our creation is to manifest the good works of Christ Jesus. Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Our purpose is completely surrendered to His great purpose for us. We are here only to fulfill the purpose of God for our life here in time until eternity receives us. Romans 8:28 reveals that our purpose is to be transformed into the image of God’s son our Lord Jesus Christ.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PLACES. (In the beginning God, created the heaven and the earth)
Genesis 12- God called Abraham to a specific land. He said I will give you this land. Israel is a significant place in the heart of God. Even a casual read of the Bible would reveal that places are important to God. Over and over again in the scriptures, God would assign significant meaning to places. He told Joshua after they crossed over the Jordan to place stones there for a memorial of that place. They were to speak of what God had done to their children concerning that place. The mountain where Abraham was to offer his son Isaac was the same mountain where our Lord would be crucified. There was significant importance assigned to that place. Where the nations are placed are specific in the hand of God to do exactly what He said they should. There is a specific place where people go when they reject the Lord and a specific place they go when they receive the Lord.
1Corinthians 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. Even concerning our place in the body, it is in the hand of God and has significant value in the kingdom. I often wonder when we say things like, “I really want to do something fresh for the Lord,” or “I just need a change,” if we are really saying I don’t like the place God has put me in to serve. Our place of service and worship is designed by the father. I do understand that there are times when the Lord moves us, but I also believe that God takes the blame for things He does not do.
God help us to surrender to you the time you have given us. Help us to understand that you are in control, and we must surrender to you. Help us God to fulfill the purpose you have given to us to serve in the exact place you designed for us.
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