As we begin this summer’s Imagine journey, please read again Genesis 1, remembering the framework we discussed last week about creation being a temple where God wants to dwell. Then slowly read the following….

Imagine that, somehow, God has invited you observe as God creates the universe. Picture yourself opening your eyes to a misty darkness. You can’t see anything, but you can sense the vast nothingness around you. You know you aren’t alone in the nothingness, though: you sense the Spirit hovering. Then the words, “Let there be light!” and instantly you are swimming in radiance. It is, indeed, good.

It’s now Day 3. God speaks to the waters, commanding them to be gathered to one place. If you’ve flown over the ocean, picture the water beneath you as it roils and foams while it obeys God’s command. Can you hear the roar? Can you smell the brine? Feel the spray hit your skin. Watch as land rises from the ocean as the waters recede to reveal it. Look in wonder as forests and prairies and tropical rainforests and multitudes of varieties of plants burst forth from the new ground. Alight on the fresh ground next to one of your favorite kinds of flower and breathe in its brand-new scent. Hear God say that it is good.

Day 4. Up to now God has been the sole source of light. Suddenly the sun appears! Feel its warmth. As it drops down in the western sky, watch in wonder as the vast multitude of stars appear for the first time in the heavens. Gaze in awe at the moon throughout the night, and then turn to the east to greet the rising sun in its newborn glory.

Day 6. “So God created humankind in his own image… male and female he created them.” There they are. Human beings. Male and Female. Adam and Eve. Totally innocent. What are they like? How do they interact with the creatures? How do they interact with God? The close of this day sees God’s completion of bringing order from chaos. On Day 7, God takes God’s rest in the temple of creation, bringing presence and relationship to the Living Images placed there. 

God created through the spoken Word. The Spirit hovered. The Trinity, present and active, from the very beginning, making space to dwell with us. Friends, we were created by love and for love, to work with God to bring flourishing to the world. Let’s walk in the garden with God, together.

-Lori Duncan