In The Sound of Music, governess Maria teaches a music lesson to the seven Von Trapp children by singing: “Let’s start at the very beginning; a very good place to start.” For our study on what the Bible says about communication, we will also begin at the very beginning. It’s an essential place to start.
Of course, many Bible studies find their origin in Genesis chapter 1— as they should. Much of our theology and our understanding of the world must start with this account. From this foundational passage, we learn that God is beautiful and creative, powerful and ordered. He is perfect, compassionate, and the origin of life itself. The world He created was also perfectly ordered and able to sustain life.
But for the purpose of this study, we are going to focus on another attribute of God that is equally evident in today’s passage—but perhaps less extolled. Genesis 1 not only proclaims God as Creator; it also presents Him as Communicator.
In Genesis 1, we watch as God speaks the world into being. With divine commands, He produced the light (v. 3), the sky (v. 6), the seas, earth, and vegetation (vv. 9–11), the sun, moon, and stars (v. 14), the fish and birds (v. 20), and the animals (v. 24). Then, in a second communicative act, He gave names to many of His created works: “day and night” (v. 5), “sky” (v. 8), “land and seas” (v. 10). One of the most fundamental functions of language is to label the world around us.
God ascribed value to His creation, pronouncing it “good.” He then used language to bless His creatures and instruct them toward flourishing (vv. 22, 28). Most importantly, God revealed Himself as One we are able to know.
Go Deeper
What part of communication are you curious to learn more about? Pray that God will open your heart to hear Him speak to you this month—through His Word, His Spirit, and His world.
Pray with Us
Lord, we are eager to dig into what the Bible says about communication this month. Please show us how we can use our communication to honor You and know You better.
For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.Psalm 33:9
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