Let There Be...

Genesis 1:1 through 2:25; Matthew 1:1–25

And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done (Genesis 2:3).

God’s first recorded words brought light and land and living creatures to life. Fourteen times in Genesis 1 God used the word “let” to speak into being and define the role of various elements of His creation—from the expanse of the heavens to the specific individuality of the first human being.

After completing His work during the world’s first six days, God acknowledged the excellence of His vast creation. The universe was now complete, and God turned over the work and rule of Earth to humankind. Then God did another new thing. He set aside the crowning day of this first week for rest, and He blessed this day and declared it holy.

Thus began the pattern that has continued throughout time: six days to do our work and one day each week set aside as special in honor of our Creator. On that day we join Him in holy rest.

Challenge for Today: Honor the Lord through your work and through your worship.