In the beginning of 2015, let’s reflect on beginnings:

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

So begins the Bible. So begins this creation, this eon. But Scripture also tells us:

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Jesus is God, and was in the beginning with God. Distinct, yet one.

See the same distinction and unity in Revelation:

Revelation 21:5-6a  And he who was seated on the throne [that is, God] said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”  And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.”

God is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

Yet in the next chapter Jesus says:

Revelation 22:12-13  Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.

Jesus is the beginning and the end. Distinction, yet unity.

Furthermore, this One with God, who was God, through whom all things were made, became man, became a created being:

1 John 1:1-3  That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life–  the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us–  that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

John and the other disciples handled Jesus – they felt His muscles, they saw Him sweat, they heard Him snore. He is the eternal life; He is the source of life; He is the Way to life; and He became man to bring life to His people.

In the beginning, God created the world for a purpose – a purpose that He is certain to bring about:

Isaiah 46:8-10  “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,  declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’

And what is that purpose?

Revelation 4:11  “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Psalm 19:1  The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Isaiah 40:25-26   To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One.  Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.

Isaiah 43:6b-7  Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

He created all things – and mankind in particular – for His glory, for His praise. All creation displays Who He is. This is the purpose for which we were made in the beginning.

Expanding on this idea, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that the Church fulfills God’s purpose for humanity:

Ephesians 1:3-6  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

Ephesians 3:8-11  To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles [that is, to the nations] the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord.

From the beginning, He created us, He chose us, He predestined us for adoption, to the praise of His glorious grace. And that praise will come not only from redeemed mankind, but also from “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” – spiritual beings – who will see God’s glory in us, in the church, and praise Him.

So the psalmist sums up the proper response of all creation to God, their glorious Creator:

Psalm 148:1-5, 11-13  Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights!  Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts!  Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars!  Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!  Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created. . . . Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children!  Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.

So may we, at the beginning of 2015, fulfill God’s purpose for us from the beginning of time: May Christ Jesus be our increasing joy, may we praise Him from redeemed hearts, and may we magnify His Name in love and faithful witness to those around us.