December 27 | Bible in a Year: Zechariah 1–4; Revelation 18

Beating as One

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

READ Genesis 1:1, 27–31

Stories have captivated humans since the dawn of creation—functioning as a way to pass down knowledge long before written language existed. We’ve all known the delight of hearing or reading a story and being immediately engaged by such opening lines as “Once upon a time”. The power of a story appears to extend beyond merely enjoyment: when we listen to a story together, our heartbeats seem to synchronise! Though our individual heartbeats vary over the course of a day, and might only match another’s coincidentally, new research indicates our hearts may all fall into the same rhythm when we hear the same story at the same time.

God begins telling us His story with the words, “In the beginning” (Genesis 1:1). From the moment Adam and Eve first drew breath (v. 27), God has used that unfolding story to shape not just our individual lives but also—and perhaps more importantly—our collective lives as His children. Through the Bible—the most magnificent nonfiction story ever recorded—our hearts as believers in Jesus are joined together as people set apart for His purposes (1 Peter 2:9).

In response, may our hearts beat in shared rhythm, delighted by the Author’s creative works. And may we share His story with others, declaring “his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples” (Psalm 96:3), inviting them to become part of it too.

By Kirsten Holmberg

What part of the story of the Bible most captivates you? With whom can you share it?

Thank You, Father, for showing me who You are through the Bible and making me one of Your own.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Genesis 1:27–31 describes the culmination of the creative work of God in the formation of beings who shared the imago Dei (the image of God), creatures who would be capable of exercising rule over and stewarding His marvellous handiwork. “So God created mankind in his own image” (v. 27). The word mankind translates the Hebrew word ’adam. While the word has been rendered “man,” it speaks of humankind and includes male and female. The Hebrew word for “male” is zakhar (for humans and animals) and the word for female is neqevah (also for humans and animals). Both man and woman share the likeness of God; both are equal in their humanity yet unique in their being. God created male and female to fulfil His creation mandate to be fruitful and increase (v. 28).