“And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31)
The first book of the Bible starts at “the beginning” of the earth. It tells how God created heaven and earth, and then filled and ordered them step by step. He created the sea and the land, plants, animals and finally man. When God finished His creation work, He found it “very good”.
The first humans lived in harmony with their Creator, and also with the animals and plants around them. There was no death and destruction, no thorns and thistles, no strife and violence. This was God’s ideal world. The law of the jungle did not apply here, but every creature was given its own place by God. The earth was not just a functional ecosystem, but a beautiful garden with a multitude of species, colors and shapes, carefully designed by the Lord. All of creation testified to His creativity and wisdom.
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! … Yes, God made all things. And everything continues through Him and for Him. To God be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:33,36).
When I read about God’s original creation, I feel an intense longing for this perfect world. How about you?