Act I: Beginnings

How many empty words do you think you’ve spoken in your lifetime? All of us are guilty of them. We mumble (or rage) in our cars about traffic. We make cutting, derisive comments about spouses or other family members under our breath. We complain openly about our bosses and gossip about others. We may not do all of these, but if we’re truly honest with ourselves, we’re all guilty of empty words.

Undoubtedly, you have also suffered because of someone else’s empty words. The parent who brushed you off when you needed love and attention. The partner who flippantly wounded you. The abuse of someone who aimed to hurt you. Everyone has suffered somehow.

From the start of Act I, the story reveals something unique about God: his words are never empty. God’s words create. God’s words bring life and love. God’s words share wisdom. Years later, the disciple John actually calls Jesus “the Word,” who “was God” and “with God in the beginning” (John 1:1-2 NIV).

During this overview of God’s story, pay special attention to the creative, loving, wisdom-sharing nature of Jesus, the living Word of God. Jesus plays a role in every story throughout the Bible. Though humanity is filled with empty words and destructive speech, God is not. Through Jesus, “all things were made,” and “in him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” (John 1:3-4 NIV).

Reflection

• How does Psalm 33:6-9 affect your understanding of the nature of God? What does it reveal about him?
• Do you believe that God will never use his words to tear you down? Why or why not?
• Can you think of a time when you’ve been ridiculed, shamed, or lied to? Would you share that pain with God today through prayer?

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for being loving, creative, and wise. Thank you for beginning your story with creativity and life. Please fix the broken places where the words of others have wounded me. Please speak to me again and again, and enable my spirit to hear your voice. Amen.