Sermon: Genesis 1

Preacher:

Bob Cooper

Date:

Sunday 23rd February 2025

Venue:

Cathedral

Service:

6pm Choral Evensong

May I speak in the name of the Living God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

I love the poetry and form of Genesis 1. It has flow and beauty; it reflects forward into the prologue in John’s Gospel and resonates with the overarching theme of scripture that God is at the heart of His creation.

In this majestic chapter, we witness the power, wisdom, and love of God revealed in creation. Genesis 1 is not a scientific or historical account; it is a theological hymn that sings of God's deep love for His world and for us.

I would like you for a moment to read the icon distributed tonight with the order of service. This powerful portrait of an enthroned Christ Pantocrator ("ruler of all") is the central figure in the Deesis mosaic created in the 13th century as a new adornment to the imperial cathedral of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

Take that moment to read the icon – and yes, we do read icons, just as they are not painted but written, so we read and don’t just look.

Through the lens of icons, we can begin to reflect on how creation itself reflects the beauty, order, and love of our Creator as shown in Genesis 1. The "Pantocrator" icon is a depiction of Christ as the ruler of all, whose loving gaze reminds us that creation exists under His divine care.

Genesis 1 begins with the profound words, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth". This opening verse establishes God as the ultimate source of all things. It is through His Word that creation comes into existence. "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light". This phrase, repeated throughout the chapter, shows God's Word as being creative, life-giving, and filled with love.

The Evangelist John later reveals that this divine Word is none other than Jesus Christ: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... Through Him all things were made" Creation, then, is an expression of divine love—crafted both through Christ and for Christ

Each day of creation unfolds in Genesis 1 with an intentional rhythm: God speaks, creation responds, and God calls it "good."

"And God saw that it was good" is a refrain that reminds us that all things are made with purpose and goodness. The created world is not an accident or an afterthought; it is an intentional act of divine love.

This divine love is particularly evident in the creation of humanity. "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness'“.

Unlike the rest of creation, humanity is uniquely made in the image and likeness of God. We are not merely biological beings; we are spiritual icons—reflections of the divine in the world. This truth should fill us with awe and humility, knowing that every person bears the imprint of God’s love.

In Orthodox Christian tradition, icons are sacred images that reveal divine truths. Icons are not just artistic depictions but windows into heaven, allowing us to contemplate the reality of God’s presence.

In the same way, all of creation functions as a kind of icon. The heavens declare the glory of God, and nature reflects His majesty. The beauty of a sunset, the order of the seasons, and the intricate details of a flower all reveal something of God’s nature.

The seventh century theologian, Saint Maximus the Confessor taught that creation is a theophany—a manifestation of God. When we look at creation with the eyes of faith, we begin to see the divine Artist behind the masterpiece. Just as an icon is written with care and intention, so too is the world crafted with love and wisdom.

The icon before us tonight is the "Pantocrator," which portrays Christ as the Ruler of All. Take a moment again to read it………….                                          

This icon is often found in the domes of churches, reminding us that Christ holds all creation in His loving hands. His gaze is both merciful and just, reflecting the same divine love that spoke the universe into existence.

When we read the Pantocrator icon, we see that Christ is not a distant creator but one who is intimately involved in His creation. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. This icon invites us to see the world through His eyes—with love, care, and reverence. Just as Christ sustains creation, we too are called to care for it, living as faithful stewards of God’s world.

On the seventh day, God rested. This rest is not a cessation of activity but a celebration of completion. The Sabbath signifies that creation is not just about function but about communion. God invites humanity to dwell with Him in His love.

Jesus Christ, the fulfilment of creation, invites us into an even deeper rest—His eternal kingdom. He declares, "Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" In Christ, the purpose of creation finds its fulfilment. Just as icons lead us to worship, so creation leads us to Christ, the Lord of all.

As we dwell in Genesis 1 and the love of God in creation, we are called to be icons of His love. We are stewards of the earth, caretakers of its beauty, and bearers of His image. We are called to live in a way that honours the Creator, embracing the goodness of creation and recognizing His presence in all things.

May we open our eyes to see God’s created world as an icon of divine love, and may our hearts be filled with gratitude for the beauty and order God has established. And as we gaze upon the image of Christ in the Pantocrator icon, as we read, may we be reminded that He reigns in love over all creation, calling us into communion with Him.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.