The Waters Divided
Genesis 1:7
This is one of the mysterious aspects of God's creation. We are given no information about exactly what is in view here, but are simply given the statement and asked to count is as true.
Most Biblical Teachers regard this as referring to the dividing of the heaven waters from the earthly waters, namely the clouds from the bodies of water that lie on the earth. Actually, what is in view is the setting up of the ecological system, at least as far as the clouds, watering, winds and seasons. All of these things are a part of the "firmament above". Our weather, the cycle of the seasons, the evaporation and rain cycle that keeps the earth watered, and the winds that move across the face of the earth depend on the proper working of this things. There could be no life on earth apart from the proper works of this system.
Again, we see that Master Craftsman at work. God does nothing out of turn. He is always doing the right thing at the right time. Most Bible teachers believe that there was a kind of mist surrounding the original creation made of water vapor. In order for the world to function properly, that had to be refined. Seasons and the rain cycle are essential to life as we know it. The world would essentially be a jungle, pole to pole otherwise. This is not what God desired and so He went to work and set things up to be the way that He wished.
One point we need to understand. This certainly could be the reasons for the "dividing of the firmament…", in fact I believe it to be the proper understanding. However, there is not enough information (indeed, there is NO information apart from these few words) to guide us is an absolute fashion. Therefore, we cannot be dogmatic about what this means.
For any teacher of the Bible, this is troubling. We like to be firm and definite about what a passage says. Yet, we must understand that we are dealing with the actions of the Eternal, all-wise and intelligent God. In this instance, what God may have done could have been something that is far beyond our ability to even comprehend!
I love large engineering projects. Some of my favorite things to watch on TV are the specials on the building of the great bridges, or huge buildings and the detailing of all of the planning and engineering that goes into such a project.
Here we see this same concept on a grand scale! The grandest scale of all! God is laying out and going about creating the platform upon which the drama of Redemption would be played out! Surely, what we see here is the first basics of that planned creation, but who among us would have the capacity to do such a marvelous thing? Oh how wise the mind of God, how infinite His intellect and how complete are His counsels!
Care To Respond?
Other Devotionals: