In the beginning, God created not only light but also allowed darkness to remain. This profound truth from Genesis and the opening of John’s gospel invites us to reflect on the presence of chaos, confusion, and emptiness in our lives. The Hebrew words “tohu” and “bohu” describe the formless void and emptiness that existed before creation, reminding us that chaos is not just a distant threat but something that often seeps into our lives, sometimes quietly, sometimes with overwhelming force. We spend much of our lives trying to keep chaos at bay, building barriers and seeking control, but the reality is that chaos is always closer than we’d like to admit.

Yet, God’s creative act was not to eliminate darkness or chaos, but to set boundaries and bring order within it. The image of God blowing a bubble in the midst of watery chaos, creating a space for life to flourish, suggests that our lives are meant to exist in a porous relationship with chaos, not in total separation from it. Rather than fighting endlessly against the uncontrollable, we are invited to recognize God’s presence even in the midst of our confusion and emptiness. God’s light does not simply banish darkness; it shines within it, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

The gospel of John draws us into this new creation, where the Word—Jesus Christ—brings life and light to all people. Nothing exists outside of Christ’s creative and redemptive work, not even the chaos we fear. In fact, it is often in the midst of chaos that we are drawn back to God, reminded of our dependence, and invited to gratitude. The rhythms of day and night, the sun and the moon, are not just timekeepers but symbols of God’s ongoing work of redemption and restoration. The moon, in particular, is a sign of future restoration, reminding us that even in darkness, God is at work.

We are called to choose the light, to step into the life Christ offers, and to trust that no darkness can ever overcome the light of redemption. Even when we feel empty or overwhelmed, God’s love and presence remain, inviting us to deeper connection, gratitude, and hope.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Chaos, confusion, and emptiness are not merely external threats but realities that often seep into our lives, sometimes quietly and sometimes with overwhelming force. Rather than seeing chaos as something to be avoided at all costs, we are invited to acknowledge its presence and recognize that it is part of the fabric of creation. In doing so, we open ourselves to God’s presence even in the midst of our vulnerabilities. [08:29]
• 2. God’s creative act in Genesis was not to eliminate darkness but to set boundaries within it, creating a space for life to flourish. The image of God blowing a bubble in the midst of chaos teaches us that our lives are meant to exist in a porous relationship with chaos, not in total separation from it. This challenges us to find God’s presence and guidance even when life feels out of control. [11:47]
• 3. Our instinct is to fight against chaos, to build barriers and seek control, but this often leads to more brokenness and isolation. Instead, we are called to live vulnerably and honestly, supporting one another and seeking deeper connection in the midst of life’s uncertainties. God’s design includes both darkness and light, and our lives depend on the presence of both. [16:53]
• 4. The gospel of John reveals that all things—including the chaos we fear—came into being through Christ. Nothing is outside of his creative and redemptive work. It is often in the midst of chaos that we are drawn back to God, finding forgiveness, gratitude, and a renewed sense of dependence on his love. [18:55]
• 5. The rhythms of day and night, the sun and the moon, are not just practical realities but symbols of God’s ongoing work of redemption and restoration. The moon, especially in Jewish tradition, is a sign of future restoration, reminding us that even in darkness, God is at work. We are invited to choose the light of Christ, trusting that no darkness can ever overcome it, except when we choose to remain in darkness ourselves. [21:54]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [06:39] - The Word in the Beginning
• [08:29] - Chaos, Confusion, and Emptiness
• [10:57] - God’s Bubble in the Chaos
• [11:47] - Boundaries and the Porous Space
• [12:43] - Our Relationship with Chaos
• [13:48] - Chaos Finds a Way In
• [15:23] - Emotional Responses to Chaos
• [16:53] - Living with Chaos and God’s Presence
• [17:57] - Sun, Moon, and the Order of Creation
• [18:55] - Christ: Creator and Redeemer
• [20:20] - Gratitude in the Midst of Chaos
• [21:05] - The Light that Darkness Cannot Overcome
• [21:54] - The Moon: Symbol of Redemption
• [23:21] - Closing Blessing and Hymn