The Life-Giving Breath of God | Genesis 1:1-3

Genesis One is an amazing, highly sophisticated “painting” that in many ways is truer than a “photograph” would be. In just the first three verses, we see an illustrative portrait of our life and our need for God’s Spirit that no propositional statement could equal. Let’s meditate on that image together in this episode. https://www.vangoghgallery.com/painting/starry-night.html (The Starry Night )by the Dutch painter https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_van_Gogh (Vincent van Gogh). Painted in 1889, it shows the view of St. Reme, FR. from his east-facing bedroom window just before sunrise. That same year he wrote to his brother, Theo, “…In the morning, I watch the sun rise in all its glory.” It’s regarded as among Van Gogh’s finest works and one of the most recognized paintings in the history of Western culture. The visual exactness of the town is not Van Gogh’s purpose as much as the greater beauty and glory of the pre-dawn sky that he witnessed from his window. It’s a feeling. Transcendence surrounds the town. In one sense we might say Van Gogh’s portrait shows us far MORE reality than a photograph could. Wonder. Transcendence. At least most people must think so, which is why you’ve seen that painting many times but probably never seen a photograph of St. Reme, FR. Genesis 1-2 shows us real history, but does it more like a Van Gogh than a camera. Showing us the truer, greater glory (transcendence/wonder) in the creation story that can help us see FAR more reality. Genesis 1:1-3 NIV In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 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. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. John 6:63 NIV The Spirit gives life…. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 2 Timothy 3:16 NIV All Scripture is God–breathed… Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter https://twitter.com/davecover (@davecover) Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter https://twitter.com/abiggerlifepod (@ABiggerLifePod) This podcast is a ministry of https://www.thecrossingchurch.com/ (The Crossing), a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.