The concept of priority and order in God's plan is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the divine wisdom and purpose in creation, redemption, and the establishment of His kingdom. This entry explores how Scripture reveals God's orderly nature and the prioritization of His purposes.

Creation and Order

The Bible begins with a depiction of God's orderly creation. Genesis 1:1-2:3 outlines the six days of creation, each with a specific focus, culminating in the Sabbath rest. This sequence demonstrates God's intentional design and the prioritization of His creative acts. The Berean Standard Bible states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1), emphasizing the foundational order of creation.

Divine Law and Commandments

God's law, as given to Moses, reflects His orderly nature and the priority of holiness and justice. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) provide a structured framework for moral and spiritual conduct, prioritizing love for God and neighbor. The BSB records, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3), establishing the primacy of worshiping the one true God.

Worship and Sacrifice

In the Old Testament, the order of worship and sacrifice is meticulously detailed, underscoring the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience. Leviticus outlines the sacrificial system, emphasizing the priority of atonement and purity. The BSB notes, "The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out" (Leviticus 6:12), highlighting the continuous and orderly nature of worship.

Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God's plan through Jesus Christ, who embodies divine order and priority. Jesus' teachings often emphasize the kingdom of God as the ultimate priority. In Matthew 6:33 , Jesus instructs, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This verse encapsulates the call to prioritize God's kingdom above all earthly concerns.

The Church and Spiritual Gifts

The apostolic writings further illustrate God's order within the church. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12-14, discusses the distribution and use of spiritual gifts, emphasizing their orderly function for the edification of the body of Christ. The BSB states, "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33), affirming the necessity of order in worship and community life.

Eschatological Order

The Bible also presents an eschatological order, detailing the events leading to the culmination of God's plan. The book of Revelation provides a prophetic vision of the end times, where divine judgment and the establishment of a new heaven and earth occur in a divinely ordained sequence. Revelation 21:1 declares, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away," signifying the ultimate fulfillment of God's orderly plan.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the themes of priority and order are evident in God's interactions with humanity, His laws, and His redemptive work through Christ. These elements underscore the importance of aligning with God's priorities and recognizing His sovereign order in all aspects of life.