On creation’s first evening we get yet another glimpse of God’s nature: “the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” God’s Spirit was not estranged from creation rather he descended into it. It is as if the Spirit was actually attracted to the darkness and chaos. He sees that his creation is helpless without him. Instead of leaving her to fend for herself, he comes to her aid. This is the same way Jesus acts toward us. After he ascended to heaven, he did not leave us as orphans (John 14:18). Jesus gave us his Spirit to be with us forever. And it is by his Spirit that he fathers, guides and empowers us.
The Spirit’s descent over the waters in Genesis 1:2 is also reflects Jesus’ baptism. After our Messiah descended into the dark waters of baptism the heavens were torn open and the Spirit of God descended on him like a dove (Mark 1:9-11). Through baptism he submitted to one lesser than him (John the Baptist) to become like us, formless and empty (Matt. 3:13-15). For Jesus, as well as all creation, it was a new beginning. God was again making a new creation through water. Before this inaugural event Jesus was unknown to the public; afterwards he revealed his glory, causing God’s light to shine in the darkness (John 1:1-9). And just as the Spirit of God was inconspicuously present and active in each day of creation, so the Holy Spirit was working through Christ’s ministry, even though his presence is mostly hidden. The Spirit of God always descends to the lowly and humble places, the places of the most desperate need. Moreover, the Spirit’s nature is to point to Christ and the Father, instead of bringing attention to himself. Those who possess the Spirit will also have this humble and hidden ministry.
Likewise, the Spirit’s descent into the formless and empty reminds us of the incarnation of Christ (his miraculous conception). Mary’s womb had no ability to conceive a child without a human father—her womb was without form and empty. However the angel said, “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus” (Luke 1:31). Mary was perplexed. How could she possibly give birth if she was a virgin? The angel immediately gave her the answer: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God… For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:35-37). Again, God is doing what he has always done from the beginning: his Spirit was coming upon the depths of Mary’s womb to bring light into the world.
Prayer: Holy Spirit you’re not afraid of the darkness. Instead, you’re drawn to it. Father, when your creation was formless and empty you did not abandon it, but embraced it. Come into my darkness, formlessness and emptiness. Hover over me and create me to be like Christ.
Invasion of Light 