In the beginning was the Word Gen 1
“This is the word of the Lord” – what do we mean when we say this at the end of our Bible readings? In what way is this book different from any other? When we say for example that it is inspired do we mean something different from when we say that William Shakespeare or JK Rowling are inspired authors? What is the relationship between the written word and the living Word Jesus Christ featured in the opening paragraphs of John’s gospel?
It is important for us to have a good understanding of this as the Bible is our primary source for all our other beliefs. As indicated last week we are following a series looking at Christian doctrine – where do we derive that doctrine from if not from Scripture? If we do indeed derive our doctrine from Scripture then we need to understand what our doctrine of Scripture is before moving on to other things. When our daughters were Brownies I used to say that the first badge they should do was the sewing badge – then they would be able to sew on any future badges themselves!
In the beginning
Today’s Bible readings started with Genesis chapter one – the beginning of all things. Right here we already discover a lot about God and His word. It is through His powerful spoken word that things come into being: “God said ‘Let there be light’ and there was light” Gen.1:3 – a process repeated throughout the Genesis account of creation. I don’t think it is unreasonable to say that one of the chief characteristics of the word of God is that it is active – it has an impact. If I were to ask you why this book is different to any other that you may have read I would not be surprised to hear you say that it is because of the impact it has had on your life. As the writer to the Hebrews puts it “the word of God is living and active.” Heb.4:12. This book has a power to change lives unlike any other. How does this happen? It is not the words themselves but the person they point to and embody – Jesus the living Word.
Pointing to Jesus
The word of God is powerful and active because it is through His word that we come to understand who Jesus is. As I mentioned last week the four gospel writers all start their accounts of the life of Jesus in different places. Today we have heard Mark’s account and he starts with the baptism of Jesus. What does this account tell us about Jesus? How does this written word point us to the living Word? Firstly it tells us that there was something very special about to happen. John the Baptist was a unique fore-runner preparing the way for someone who he described as being “more powerful” than him and who would “baptise with the Holy Spirit”. In understanding who John the Baptist is the new testament writers turn to their “word of the Lord” and in particular various prophecies in Isaiah. John is “a voice calling in the desert” making way for the living word.
At the same time as being someone unique and powerful, when Jesus comes along he is quite patently fully human. He is described as being from Nazareth in Galilee and however we interpret the baptism of Jesus at the very least in being baptised by John he demonstrates his solidarity with the human race. Nonetheless as Jesus comes out of the water we have one of those rare intimate insights into the mystery of God. “He (Jesus) saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven ‘ You are my son whom I love, with you I am well pleased” Mark 1:11 So here, as in Genesis 1 we have the Trinity at work. Note that in terms of His public ministry and saving work, Jesus has done nothing yet, and still God the father says – “I love you, well done”.
So this written word points to the living Word being both fully human and fully divine. Throughout His life on earth Jesus was held in His father’s embrace and powered by the Spirit.
Application
As we embark on this new year let us take this written word of the Lord seriously. As the prayer book collect urges us we should indeed “Read, mark, learn and inwardly digest it”. However more importantly we need to allow the written word to point us to the living Word. Through our study of Scripture and all the other means of grace may Christ be formed in us. May we “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” Ephesians 4:13.
Today we are welcoming Tiquanie into the fellowship of the church. Just as parents hope and pray that their children will grow into mature adults, so my prayer for all of us is that we will continue to grow in our life of faith throughout this year.