In the Beginning

Unpacking 5 Key Insights from the Creation Story

Wildfire Network thanks Gabrielle Michelle Leonard for writing this edition of Fuel.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.” Genesis 1:1-3 NASB

Introduction

The creation story in Genesis is bursting with good news, overflowing with truths that speak directly to our lives today. If you long to partner with God in creating a world reflective of His kingdom, desire to find hope in challenging circumstances, or need a renewed imagination for what God can do through broken and fragile people, the creation story holds profound insights for you. 

Before we fully grasp who God is, Genesis offers a powerful introduction to His unmatched power, creative intentions, and sovereign authority. Here are five insights I gleaned from a recent meditation on Genesis 1. I encourage you to read through these reflections and then spend time in the word reflecting on what you see. 

You Were Created to Reveal Jesus. 

You were created to represent the image of God. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings would erect statues throughout their kingdoms to reflect their image and remind people of their power and authority. When you live in harmony with Christ, the perfect image of the invisible God, your life bears good fruit. You will testify to the Lordship of Jesus and have the power to participate in God’s redemptive plans. 

Chaos Doesn’t have to Intimidate you.

God's most extraordinary creative work often emerges from disorder, darkness, and chaos. If you can describe your situation with the same words used to describe the earth before God acted upon it, don’t despair. God is not intimated by what is formless and empty. These are fertile conditions for God's transformative work that brings forth beauty, justice, and life. God doesn't require a blank canvas; He works with the raw materials of our lives, shaping them against all odds, not out of nothing.

Scripture is Good News to the Oppressed.

The creation story is Good News to the poor, oppressed, marginalized, and powerless. The first audience for this narrative was exiled Israelites, stripped of their homeland, power, and privilege. They needed the reminder that the God who spoke light into existence without opposition still reigns supreme. He possesses the power to work miracles in the darkest of times, to transform both land and people. The Lord is in control. He is greater than every oppressor, adversary, and system set against His people.

There is One God—With Unmatched Power.

The authors of Genesis were aware of other creation stories from surrounding cultures. Yet, the differences between Genesis 1 and these ancient narratives are more striking than the similarities. While other stories depict creation as the result of cooperation or conflict among multiple gods, Genesis presents a deliberate, systematic act of one God. The heavens and earth form a coherent universe, testifying to YHWH’s ultimate and singular power. 

God is Not Done Creating What is Good.

What God creates is not just artistic expressions but extraordinary— a demonstration of His power and superiority. Throughout the Old Testament, we find echoes of the initial creation narrative in Genesis 1. In Isaiah 41, for example, the Lord speaks to a brokenhearted and outcast people, promising restoration and liberation. He pledges to heal both the people and the land, making it evident that this is a work of His own hand (Isaiah 41:20 NASB).

Conclusion

In Genesis, we see that everything God creates is good and bears sustainable fruit. As long as humanity remained in devotional fellowship with God, they could participate in, benefit from, and enjoy all that was good—an environment that was beautiful, just, and without death and destruction. Genesis chapter one highlights the profound connection between good works (or good fruit) and devotion to God. All of creation is good because it is actively connected to God, the Creator of the universe, and fulfills its intended purpose. 

If we want to walk fully in our identity as image-bearers of Christ, we too must remain connected to God. This connection enables us to bear fruit that remains. In John 15 Jesus instructs His disciples, “Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me” (John 15:4 NASB). 

I pray this truth inspires you to prioritize attachment to Christ, knowing that your devotion to Jesus is what enables good fruit. If you long to see hearts transformed, poverty eradicated, a Church unified, and all isolation and division healed, remain with Christ. Beloveds, healing, transformation, and joy depend on it. 

Resource: Scripture Reading

I encourage you to read and reflect on Genesis 1.  What stands out to you about the way that God engages with creation actively throughout this passage? How does He engage actively with His creation today?

Gabrielle Michelle Leonard is the Director of Returning to Joy, returningtojoy.com