And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. Genesis 1:6
Day Two of any endeavour always seems to ordinary and mundane. Day One is the big launch, the fanfare, and the ceremony of the start. Day Two is on with the business of the job, just getting things done. Take this year, for example. Yesterday was the big start for the year that takes us out of the confusion, disappointments and disruptions of the year of the pandemic. Whatever we have put behind us and whatever we hope for the new year, the year is now underway, and there is nothing special to celebrate today. Maybe there is nothing special to celebrate, but there is something significant to note, as we see how God addressed Day Two of the creation of our world. Day Two was a day of separation, the monumental and colossal separating of the waters of the heavens and the waters of the earth. Day One was for providing light; Day two was for separation.
What transpired on Day Two was essential for providing us with our atmosphere, the space where now the birds, airplanes, and radio waves operate. Although not yet separated into seas and land, the waters below formed the surface of the earth and the waters above formed the great canopy of vapour that provided the perfect climate of the antedeluvian world. Separation was essential for God to perform His work of building a world for plants and animals to thrive, and for mankind to assume stewardship. Separation is still essential today for God’s work to proceed, not now in creation but in the proclamation of the Gospel and the testimony of His people before the world.
Much of professing Christendom today knows little of separation. In fact, many of the religious organizations of our day are much more involved in efforts to unite and coordinate themselves with other organizations than they are in following Scripture. And yet, God’s principle holds true that, after light comes separation. After the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ has shined into our souls, God would have us to be more interested in His plans and programs, His service and worship, His righteousness, than in the things of the world about us.
Is there room on your New Year’s list of resolutions for one more item? Let it be this: let me experience the truth and blessing of separation unto the things of God this year. -Jim MacIntosh