“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.”
Genesis 1:1-3 (NIV)
I stood looking across the church campus wondering what would become of this place after I was gone. Paul warned the Ephesian church elders that after he was removed, greedy, destructive people would come with the purpose of deceiving disciples (Acts 20:29-30). What could I give this congregation that would protect them from such deceptions?
I began to pray for them. Dear Lord, take care of these precious people. Bless them with your Spirit and guide them into all your truth. Protect them from deceptive people and heretical doctrines. And, Lord, please give me a word from you to them.
My spirit began to wander through the Word of God searching for something, a key, anything that would satisfy my longing and meet this demand. I was feeling anxious, wishing the Holy Spirit would speak. The Holy Spirit . . .
Suddenly Scripture began to erupt in my mind. In the beginning. It was void and empty. The Spirit of God moved on the surface of the deep. It was a familiar passage and I recognized it immediately. Then it came to me. This church was like the empty, void space before the earth was created. But the Spirit of God wanted to hover over it and create it and mold it for his purpose and glory. The Spirit drew me closer. The Word of God had created the earth out of the empty void of space. Then I realized that the Word of God and the Spirit of God are the best protection that any church or any person needs. As I meditated on this Scripture and listened to the Spirit, I felt my anxiety leave and calm assurance return.
The Spirit reminded me that both I and the congregation were empty and void without the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Together, they formed us. I decided quickly if we will continue to pay attention to these two, we will fulfill the plan and purpose of God. We will also be protected from deception and heresy.
Dear Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you for creating us in Christ Jesus. Empower us with your Word and Spirit to be all that you desire. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his plan and live for his purpose,