Light in the Darkness
B’reisheet — In the Beginning
בְּרֵאשִׁית
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
(Genesis 1:1)
Before there was light, there was God.
Before there was sound, there was His Word.
From nothing, He spoke everything into being.
The story begins with order rising from chaos.
Formlessness becomes form. Darkness gives way to light. The breath of God fills dust, and humanity awakens.
Man becomes a living soul: spirit and flesh bound together, carrying both the divine spark and earthly longing.
Yet within the first garden came the first exile.
Adam and Eve reached for what was forbidden, trading communion for control. The gates of Eden closed behind them, guarded by flaming swords. Still, mercy lingered. God would not allow immortality in rebellion. Even in judgment, He made a way for redemption.
Every human heart remembers that garden. We hunger for what we lost. We long for fruit we have never tasted. Every search for meaning, every desire for beauty, every ache for peace, all point back to Eden.
But the story does not end in exile.
The prophets remind us that the Creator who breathed life into man will one day breathe life into the nations. Isaiah’s vision speaks of the Servant—chosen, upheld, and sent as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations. In Him, creation begins again.
John opens his Gospel with the exact words: “In the beginning.” The Word that spoke creation now takes on flesh. The Light shines in the darkness. Through Him, we see the way back to the garden, the Way between the cherubim, through the torn veil, into the presence of God.
He is the beginning. And He makes all things new.
This Week’s Reading
Torah: Genesis 1:1–6:8
Prophets: Isaiah 42:5–43:10
Gospel: John 1:1–17
Preface for Reflection, Practice, and Response
The steps that follow can be walked through personally or with your Huddle.
Take them to heart in prayer, or share them in community.
Whether alone or together, let the Word move from reflection to practice, from practice to response, and from response to a life lived sent.
Reflection in the Word
Ask yourself or bring to your Huddle:
What does Genesis teach about the character and power of God?
How does knowing you were made in His image change how you see yourself and others?
Where do you still feel the ache of exile?
What does it mean that Jesus is “the Light of the world”?
How do you see the story of creation fulfilled in the life of Christ?
Practice the Word
Do not only read. Remember.
This week:
Pause — Begin each morning by saying, “In the beginning, God.” Let that truth reorder your day.
Create — Use your gifts to bring order and beauty where there is chaos. Reflect your Creator.
Repent — Acknowledge areas where you’ve reached for control rather than communion.
Receive — Invite the Spirit to breathe new life into weary places of your soul.
Rejoice — Thank God for the light that still shines in the darkness.
Reflect and Respond
What part of your life needs God’s creative touch again?
Where do you sense His invitation to begin anew?
How can you reflect His image more clearly this week?
What does “walking in His light” look like for you today?
Pray these aloud if you’re in a Huddle.
If you’re reading alone, write them in your journal and pray them before God.
Living Sent This Week
B’reisheet calls us back to the beginning, to the voice that still speaks light into darkness.
He breathes, and life begins again.
Creation was never finished; it continues in every heart that returns to Him.
This week, walk as one made in His image.
Let His light shine through you.
Reflect His order, His mercy, and His creative love wherever you go.
He is the Beginning, and through Him, all things are made new.