“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness covered the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:2).
Moved is a word that is picturesque and rife with meaning. In the original Hebrew the word translated moved in this verse is the root word rachaph (raw-khaf’) meaning “to brood.” One grammarian has defined it as “to hover with a gentle wavering or fluttering motion as a bird broods over her young.”
Rachaph has also been defined as “to express a feeling of tender or cherishing love, as a mother soothing her child.” The Spirit of God brooded over the shapeless mass of the earth, cherishing and imparting warmth, love, energy, and life to a world which was then chaotic.
This verse is a beautiful picture of our new creation. Like the discordant elements of the primeval earth, because of our sin we, too, were without form, and void, and darkness covered us completely.
Then the Holy Spirit lovingly and tenderly began to flutter over us. Warmly He hovered over our hearts and began to draw us with God’s love. Our discordant life took on form, shape, symmetry, and beauty.
Just as God created the earth out of nothing, so also He created us out of nothing. His Spirit took us when we had no beauty or form and lovingly transformed us into a new creation. Thank God for His love, patience, and design.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.