As I consider the account in Genesis we’ve been meditating on this year together, I am struck by several recurring themes:  God’s perfect creation, man’s depravity, God’s relentless pursuit of man, and man’s ongoing curiosity. Yet through every generation, one thing remains constant—God's mercy.

The exploration of God’s heart toward humanity in Genesis 1 reveals His deep desire to sustain and care for us. In His very first recorded conversation with humanity, God reassures mankind of His provision (Genesis 1:29–30, NKJV). From the beginning, He provided everything humanity needed—food, purpose, authority, and identity (Genesis 1:27–31). Even now, He remains our source for all things (John 15; Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 9:8, NKJV).

As we celebrate Passover, let us reflect on the powerful fulfillment of the Messiah revealed through His work on the cross. Passover and Resurrection Day are not separate events, but one continuous love story.

What were the very first words that greeted you upon entering this world? For some of us, we subconsciously answered this question through the actions of our biological parents who abandoned or abused us. Yet, for others, our parents lovingly tell us about our birth and all the events that took place that day, not focusing on the words spoken but letting actions speak for themselves. Yet regardless of what words—or silence—greeted us at birth, Scripture shows us the very first words God spoke over humanity. In them, we hear the intentions of His heart for us all.

“The last shall be first”—words spoken by Jesus to His disciples when explaining how the Kingdom of God operates. Yet this concept was established at creation. Humanity was created last, but positioned by God as first. Dominion over all creation was given to mankind through the very first blessing God spoke over humanity.

“Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”
—Genesis 1:28 (NKJV)