Episode 2[1]

This heading may seem strange, unusual, perhaps irreverent. Yet, reading the Bible while conscious of its Author’s physical presence will make a huge difference to your reading. He becomes the proverbial “elephant in the room.”[2] You can’t ignore Him. He doesn’t go away. You are obligated to relate everything you read to HIM.  You must respond.

Arriving at what we call the second verse of the Bible, some unexpected statements appear.

It’s a murky, confusing scene! “Formless and empty” is the created earth. “Covered with darkness” are the deep waters.  And “hovering” over this darkness is the Spirit of God.  What? How? What?

One’s mind wants to run down many “rabbit trails” with questions and answers and arguments and debates, but Oooops! Almost forgot. The Author is still right here in the room! What now? You look around feeling rather self-conscious.

Stop your racing mind! Realize that minuscule, human minds are no match for Almighty God! It is His Word! Time to at least bow your head, admit confusion, and ask questions humbly!

You are a God of order, not disorder (1 Cor. 14:33), so how does this “new heavens and new earth” begin in such a mess?

Also, you are a God of light, and in you is no darkness at all (1 Jo. 1:5), but why is your earth “covered with darkness?”  I would really like some answers, Divine Author!

Silence. You bow and ask again. Silence still.

Then a thought comes to mind, something to explore. Maybe this thought came from Author Himself.

The Bible doesn’t tell us everything we want to know.

We can’t get answers from the Bible if the answers aren’t there! If the answers aren’t there, then God must consider those questions as not so important! It is actually healthy to have unanswered questions. Questions keep us humble and seeking. Two health-inducing qualities! 

It might be time to get on the ol’ knees again. “Author, I want to trust you, that you both know and do what is best.”

Somehow Deuteronomy 29:29 comes to mind and you look it up.

“The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.” Amen.Leave the questions hanging. Time to move on, tomorrow, to the exciting next 6 days!

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[1] Episode #1 happened in relation to Gen. 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” And involved stooping to the ground in amazement.

[2] Large, out-of-place, unavoidable, can’t get out of your mind, makes one feel awkward, small, vulnerable,….