In the Beginning

June 15^th, 2014         “In the Beginning”         Rev. Heather Jepsen

Sermon Series: Genesis: A Summer Sojourn

Genesis 1-2:4a

          Today we begin our summer sermon series on the Book of Genesis.  Over a period of 6 Sundays this summer we will cover some of the major stories in the early chapters of this book.  From this morning’s discussion of the beginning of things to the near sacrifice of Isaac, this summer should be an interesting journey for all of us.

          Genesis, of course, means origin and this morning’s reading discusses the origin of the people of Israel.  As we move through the book, we will learn that rather than being written by one individual, the book of Genesis is a combination of different authors and stories weaved together.  This morning’s story is written by the voice that scholars have come to call the Priestly tradition, or “P” for short.  Although the stories had circulated orally for some time, it is commonly thought that this text actually took written form while the Israelites were captive in Babylon.

          When viewed from that angle the text is infused with meaning.  If you are being held captive to a culture that declares the sun and moon, water and earth, to be separate gods; to declare that your God actually created those things, is an act of defiance and power.  Sort of a “My God is bigger than your god” thing.

          In this first creation story, Genesis is all about the power of God.  God creates by acts of speech, God is in control of things.  This story gives us a picture of a divine ruler creating a universe by decree.  A universe that is created out of chaos, versus a universe that was created out of nothing.  This all powerful God has set out a well-planned and thoughtful creation, and declares that it is in essence good.

          So let’s talk about it . . .

What do you see in this story?

What questions does this text raise in you?

What does it say about God?

What does it say about the nature of humanity?
What is the sermon for us today?

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