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Monday, October 15th (Day One)

Read:
Genesis 1:1-2:3

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

Reflect:
Embedded within Genesis 1:1 is one of the most controversial phrases known to Western culture: "God created." For many people, these are fighting words because they teach that man is not the measure of all things. This is potentially offensive because it places human beings in a subordinate relationship to a higher authority.

It is easy for those who believe these words to scoff at those who struggle with them. Yet if you allow yourself to meditate on the implications of what it means that God created all things, you may find that you have more in common with those who are offended by the Bible than those who claim to believe it but do not take it seriously.

If God truly is the creator of all things, we cannot claim ultimate ownership of anything. This means that we must hold the things of this world with a loose grip - a grip that recognizes that we are the creatures and not the Creator. It is only when we recognize and treasure the Creator/creature distinction that we can be truly free and fully human.

Apply:

1. What in your life do you hold onto tightly? Why is your grip so tight?
2. How might meditating on Genesis 1 help free you from the tyranny of holding too tightly to things you did not create?

Pray:

1. That you will more fully recognize and own the Creator/creature distinction in your life.
2. That the Lord would use Christ the King to proclaim the message of God's kingship over all creation and that many would submit to his rule over their lives in Christ.