In Genesis, we see God’s intended kingdom displayed by His creation. Over six days, God creates light, land, plants, animals, and human beings. On the seventh day, He rests.

The imagery in creation is striking. The sun provides light and warmth. The environment provides food and water. Man is given a pattern of work and rest, as well as a community of love with both God and others.

This very same imagery is present in Exodus. God guides his people through the desert using a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He provides water from a rock and food from the heavens. There in the wilderness, God does the initial work, just as He did in creation. But again, He provides the Israelites with purpose, commanding them to build the tabernacle in which He will dwell.

On Mt. Sinai, God will appear as fire on the mountain, giving the Ten Commandments to Moses, which are to be the guiding light of the people. These ten rules and all of the case law that followed them, divide into two broad categories, addressing how people are to love God and love neighbor. Later, the prophets return to these commands again and again, calling the people back from idolatry and injustice into loving relationship with God and others.

Finally, in the New Testament we encounter Jesus, who comes as the Light of the World, Bread of Life, Living Water, True Vine, and Perfect Love. He is Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End. He was present to speak creation into existence at the very beginning. And He promises to come again to make every new.