In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. (NASB)

I want you to think back to the most recent movie you watched and tell me, which do you remember best: the first scene or the ending?  

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Truly, it takes a really powerful first line or opening scene to stick more vividly in the mind of the audience than the ending inevitably will. And yet, the opposite might be true for the Bible. I'd be willing to wager that you're more likely to know the first line than the last. And this truly remarkable first is where we find ourselves today as we embark on a series exploring the person and work of the Holy Spirit.  

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Even though we might know the first lines of the Bible, I wonder, have you ever considered them from the perspective of what they teach us about the Holy Spirit? We skip over him so easily because God seems to be the main character here, and yet, if we dwell on this verse a bit more carefully, we will find an incredible first picture of God's Spirit and his heart toward creation. We read in verse 2 that, "the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." Let's zoom in on three beautiful truths we learn about the Holy Spirit in this short line...

First, in contrast to the pantheons of their Ancient Near Eastern neighbors, the Israelite tradition emphasizes the unity of God. The Spirit is highlighted as distinct in this situation, yet he is still the Spirit of God. Why does this matter for us today, though? If the Spirit and God himself are one, their character and trustworthiness are also unified. As we embark on a study of the Holy Spirit, you can know and rest confidently in the truth that the Holy Spirit's character is entirely in line with the character of God (and Jesus!).  

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Next, in an interesting parallel, we read that "darkness was over the surface of the deep" and "the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." Genesis 1 is poetry, and in Hebrew, the deep (tehom) is a poetic synonym for the waters (mayim). Both muster an image, not of a serene lake, but of a chaotic, stormy ocean. In the Ancient Near East, the " waters" usually represented chaos; this is a picture of the world before God brings order. And yet, where darkness and chaos seemed to rule, here also we find the presence of God's Spirit. Friend, the Spirit of God is not afraid of the darkness or the chaos, and he's not afraid of the darkness and chaos of your life either. Psalm 139:12 says, "even the darkness will not be dark to you...for darkness is as light to you." And similarly, speaking of Jesus, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (Jn. 1:5). Know today that the Spirit of God is with you, even in the darkness, and he is above the chaos.

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And finally, in that moment of hopeless darkness, above the chaos of the "formless and desolate emptiness," what is the Spirit of God doing? He is hovering. When I look at the origins and connotations of this word (rahaph), I am so deeply moved. See, rahaph, which utilizes the same root as the Hebrew word for womb, is the hovering of a mother bird over her brood. And don't think of a chicken here - the imagery is of an eagle or a vulture, a powerful bird of prey who protects, defends, and nurtures its own. One source described this as, "the Spirit of God, who brooded over the shapeless mass of the earth, cherishing and vivifying it." Just as an eagle turns and rotates its eggs so they perfectly incubate and develop, hovering with care and attention, so the Spirit hovered over the chaotic waters from which would come our world - God's precious, beloved creation.  

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Is this how you see the Holy Spirit? As a fiercely protective yet tenderly cherishing mother who vivifies, or brings life, to your world? Do you trust him as the very Spirit of the Living God, the source of all Truth (Jn. 14:17), who is with us in darkness and above the chaos? Do you realize that, when you are in Christ, this same Spirit lives in you? From the beginning, this is the picture God wants us to have of his Spirit.

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I pray, as we embark on this series, that this confident foundation begins to replace any fears, uncertainties, or wariness you might be carrying regarding the Holy Spirit. He is not something to be scared of, dear friend. He is truth in your uncertainty. He is authority in your chaos. He is life from the darkness. And he is the One nurturing all God has called you to be, from the very beginning.  

Holy Spirit, we know there is more to you, and we want it! God, reveal to us the truth of your Spirit, quieting our fears, baggage, and uncertainties as a parent comforts their child. We trust you! Amen.