God’s powerful, creative word
by Norma Koehne
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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 … (Genesis 1:1–3a).
Read Genesis 1:1–2:3
When I think of creation, our world and the universe, I find it truly mind-blowing. I agree with JS Haldane: ‘The universe is not just strange to imagine; it is stranger than we can imagine.’ When the hymn writer wrote, ‘O Lord my God, when I … consider all the worlds your hand has made’, I would suggest he more accurately should have said ‘your word has made’. For, in every instance, ‘God said’, and it was done. Here, we see clearly God’s powerful and creative word.
We have further instances of the creative power of God’s word in the life of Jesus – ‘Your sins are forgiven’, ‘take up your bed and walk’, the blind man regaining sight, casting out demons, raising Lazarus. Finally, we have the most powerful word of all from the cross: ‘It is finished.’ All is complete; the sins of the world have been paid for, the devil has been defeated, and salvation for all who believe has been won.
By God’s grace, this powerful, transforming word has entered our lives and made us God’s children. We are born again in the water and word of baptism and, every day, our old sinful self is drowned in the baptismal waters, and we are washed clean. Then, in the word of holy communion, with the bread and wine, we receive the assurance of the forgiveness of sins and God’s love in a tangible way. Every day, we can open God’s precious word and learn more about our loving God, his plan of salvation, and his good and gracious will for our lives.
How blessed are we?
May your word always be a lamp to my feet, a light to my path and an everlasting truth in my life. Amen.
Norma grew up in Koonibba SA. She was a teacher at Concordia College in SA and then served in various roles in Papua New Guinea with her husband. Returning to Australia, Norma worked as an International Student Advisor and, after completing a PhD, worked in administration at the University of Divinity. She has been privileged to serve the LCA on the General Church Board, the Seminary Council, and as president of Lutheran Women of Victoria and Lutheran Women of Australia. Currently, she is happily retired.
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