In the Beginning . . . Bees!

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. — Hebrews 11:3 I started beekeeping about 20 years ago and then dropped out of it for a while. After a few more years, however, I got excited to start into it again.A problem that occurred earlier was that my previous hives became “dead-outs.” I needed new honeybees. So I called my beekeeper friend and ordered a couple of boxes of bees. He said he could prepare a couple of “nucs” (small nucleus colonies) of bees to begin new hives, but I would need to wait till they were ready for transport to my beehives.I wonder if God was excited to put all of the pieces in place when he created this wonderful world. Genesis 1 is so full and bursting with life that we can barely begin to describe the vast and marvelous variety of things God created. Among the many unnamed creatures, honeybees are often overlooked. “In the beginning . . .” God created them too.And what’s truly amazing is that God did not order the first batch of honeybees. He created them at his command! This is what Hebrews 11:3 reminds us about.Out of God’s creative genius and far beyond our imagining and ability, God created this universe and all living things, including bees. Along with bees, you and I have our beginning from that original creation. I invite you to join me in gathering glimpses of these things and to be amazed. Creator Spirit, we praise and thank you for creating everything—including bees as well as us—so that we can reflect your goodness and glory. Amen.