“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” (Genesis 1:1–3, ESV)
Yesterday, we focused on how God is ONE. At the same time, he is three persons. There is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is the Holy Trinity. He is one God and three persons.
Okay, I can get how God is one. But how is God one and at the same time three persons?
This is where we start to do the mental gymnastics. One analogy that can be used is to think about water. It comes in three different forms. Water can be solid, liquid, and gas. But where this analogy falls short is that water can only be one of those three forms at any given time. God is different. God doesn’t transform from the Father to the Son to the Holy Spirit. He is fully Father at the same time he is fully Son at the same time fully Holy Spirit.
Ultimately, the Trinity is not for us to completely understand, but to believe. When we think about this God, he existed as the Trinity from the beginning. We go to Genesis, before the creation. It says, “in the beginning God (Father)!” Then there is the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) hovering over the face of the waters. Next God speaks, “let there be light.” God’s Word (Jesus) creates the light. John 1:14 tells us that the Word become flesh and made his dwelling among us. So in the first three verses of the Bible, you have the Trinity already present. Are you confused yet? That’s okay.
If you take nothing else away from this, take this: in the beginning God existed in community. And we are created in the image of God. Created in his image, we are created for community. We are created to do life together. Life is filled with difficulties and struggles, but God never intended for any of us to face it alone. He calls us to be there to help others in their time of need. And for others to be there for us in our time of need.
The community where this is played out is called the Church. When the Church is functioning as God intends, it is a place to find hope and comfort. It is a place to seek wisdom and guidance. It is a place to find our purpose and place to serve alongside other people.
Reflection
- What does it mean to you that God exists in community?
- How is the church to be a reflection of the Trinity?
Prayer
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you are the Triune God. You are one God in three persons. I do not fully comprehend or understand all of that. There is mystery that surrounds you. But you have revealed yourself that you are a God of community. Help me to live in community with others who seek to do your will and bring glory to your name. Amen.
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