Scripture
God saw all that he had made and it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning- the sixth day.

Observation
Almost every day we hear of some advance in understanding of the scientific theory of the beginning of things called the “Big Bang.” The science suggests mystery and energy: mystery because we can't understand what the event was like, and energy that is chaotic, noisy and explosive.

The Bible speaks of a different kind of beginning that is equally mysterious and energetic. But instead of a chaotic beginning we have an orderly process. The sound of this beginning is not a bang but a word. The power of the creation is not in randomness but in purposeful design.

At the end of God's plan is humanity. A man and a woman are created with purpose and design. They are not random mutations and they are not like other creatures because they are created in the image of God.

Contrary to some environmentalists and others who see people as a problem fo rthe world, God blesses the people and tells them to fill the world and to rule over it.

Application
This is a very different account to the secular scientific account.

Science wants us to believe that nobody is in control of our origins and therefore our destiny. Faith tells us that each one of us is hand-crafted by a loving God who leaves nothing to chance.

Science tells us that nobody is in charge of the world and so our only hope for survival is to seize control in order to save the planet for future generations. Faith tells us that God has given us the whole of creation, and therefore we must love it and treasure it for His sake.

Science tells us that we are no different to any other creature, but faith places us at the pinnacle of God's creative work.

Prayer
Lord my existence is not by chance. I thank you for the knowledge that you created me, my neighbours and this world. Help me to be mindful of this at all times and to live in joyful appreciation. Amen.