The Creation is the Work of the Father’s Will
Wednesday’s Verse:
From Genesis 1:1 ESV
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Before there was time, there was God. The creation of the world was not an accident, nor was it an afterthought: the world is the work of the Father’s gracious will. The first verse of the day grounds us: this life has a Maker. Therefore this life has a purpose. Luther wrote, “If you confess God as Creator, you must also confess that you are a creature, that you are dependent, that you are provided for, that you are held accountable, and finally, that you are loved.”
The New Testament makes clear that the Word through whom all things were made was none other than Christ Himself (John 1:1–3; Col. 1:16–17). The same Lord who stretched out the heavens stretched out His arms on the cross to redeem His creation. The Maker is our Redeemer—so your value is not based on what you produce but on whose you are.
When we consider the Law, we forget our place; we reach for control, worry as if everything depends on us, and exploit the gifts of creation.
The Gospel turns our eyes to the Creator who called light from darkness, will call you by name in Baptism, claiming you as His own. In Jesus, He is making all things new—even the parts of your day that felt like a formless void.
Because God created, your ordinary work matters: caring for bodies, stewarding the earth, serving neighbor, gathering for worship. Never take your eyes off the good fruits you bring into this world.
Prayer: Creator God, from whom all things have their beginning, thank You for the gift of this day and the world You lovingly made. Forgive my anxious striving and my neglect of Your gifts. In Jesus—through whom all things were made and by whose cross I am redeemed—grant me rest, renew my faith, and ready me to serve my neighbor tomorrow. Amen.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, from whom all things have their beginning, thank You for the gift of this day and the world You lovingly made. Forgive my anxious striving and my neglect of Your gifts. In Jesus—through whom all things were made and by whose cross I am redeemed—grant me rest, renew my faith, and ready me to serve my neighbor. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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