As many college students are getting ready for in-person or online classes, I thought this was still very appropriate.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

It was a course that Matt (not real name) had to take in his college freshman year. This was no elective; rather, it was a mandatory course of biology. The professor was a “renowned” scientist who firmly embraced the tenants of evolution and who scoffed at those who claimed to be creationists. On and on he would lecture on evolution and conduct himself with abrasive arrogance.

Matt was happy to be able to come home for a few days and spend time with his extended family. While enjoying a picnic with his parents, aunts and uncles, nephews and nieces, and cousins, something happened that left an indelible impression upon Matt’s life. His five-year-old niece, Julia (also not real name), hopped up and sat on his lap and hugged him. She always had been just a little on the dramatic side, but everyone loved her! “Oh Uncle Matty, I have missed you so since you went to college. Want to know the verse I memorized in JOY Club this week?” she asked. “Why of course I do!” a wise Uncle Matt answered. Julia cleared her throat. “It’s Genesis 1:1, ‘In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth,’” Julia answered loud enough so that most of the party could hear her.

Uncle Matt replied, “Julia, my sweet Julia, you are smarter than my college professor.”

How about you, friend? Aren’t you glad that you’re not a product of chance or evolution? Aren’t you glad that God created the heaven and the earth?

We can really rejoice in this: There’s no greater joy than to be redeemed by the One Who created us!