One of my favorite Bible passages is Genesis 1:2. Now, this isn’t your typical “favorite” scripture. I love the Hebrew version of the phrase “and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” The Hebrew text is far more rich and vibrant. What makes this particular passage so meaningful to me is found in the Hebrew word that is translated as “hovering.” For all of my life, until my Hebrew class in seminary, I had envisioned God “levitating” over the waters in the midst of the Creation story. It was a supernatural image. But the Hebrew word that is translated as “hovering” is not just the action of floating but it is also the action of a mother hen sitting upon her brood. What could be more mundane and natural than a hen resting upon her eggs? But God uses the mundane and natural so that it is familiar to us.
One of the very first actions of God was to care for creation in the very tender way that a mother hen cares for her brood. The kindness of God is woven into the very fabric of creation. We often think of God working in ways that are otherworldly, but God reveals love in ways that are known to us. The idea of a hen hovering above her eggs is a beautiful one that speaks of nurturing love.
From the beginning of the world, God has wanted us to know that we are loved and cared for. The kindness of God brought the world into existence and that same kindness works in our lives. Since we are created in the image of God, we have that same capacity to show love and care for others. We can be a part of creating a new world by showing kindness each and everyday.
From the beginning of the world to the beginning of your life, God has revealed love for you. May today be a day that you care for others by “hovering” in kindness and compassion.
Rev. Wendy Lambert, Senior Executive Pastor
