In today’s cultural and spiritual discourse, phrases like “order out of chaos” and alternative greetings such as “grand rising” have gained traction, often rooted in misunderstandings of Scripture, language, and biblical principles. While the Bible richly speaks of God’s power to bring order (סֵדֶר, seder) from chaos (תֹּהוּ, tohu), as seen in creation and His sovereign work in the world, rejecting traditional greetings such as “good morning” in favor of “grand rising” represents a departure from biblical truth and a rise in superstition. This article will explore these themes from a biblical perspective, contrasting the Scriptural teaching on “order out of chaos” with the anti-biblical misunderstanding behind phrases like “grand rising.”
Order Out of Chaos: A Biblical Foundation
The concept of “order out of chaos” resonates deeply with the biblical account of creation and God’s sovereignty. While the exact phrase “order out of chaos” does not appear in the Bible, the theme is woven throughout Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, God demonstrates His ability to bring light (אוֹר, or) from darkness (חֹשֶׁךְ, choshekh), peace (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) from disorder, and redemption from brokenness.
1.Creation: God’s Mastery Over Chaos
The opening verses of the Bible illustrate God’s power to bring order from a chaotic and formless world:
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form (תֹּהוּ, tohu), and void (בֹּהוּ, bohu); and darkness (חֹשֶׁךְ, choshekh) was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light (אוֹר, or): and there was light.” (Genesis 1:1-3)
In Hebrew, the phrase tohu va-bohu (“formless and void”) describes a state of disorder, yet God’s Word brings structure, light, and life. This theme continues throughout Scripture, affirming that God’s purposes prevail even in times of apparent chaos.
2.Morning as a Symbol of Divine Order
The repeated phrase in Genesis 1, “And the evening (עֶרֶב, ‛ereb) and the morning (בֹּקֶר, bôqer) were the first day,” reflects a movement from disorder (‛ereb, evening) to order (bôqer, morning). The Hebrew word bôqer symbolizes clarity and renewal, emphasizing the establishment of divine order. This rhythm mirrors God’s work in history, as He continually brings clarity and redemption out of confusion and sin.
3.Jesus Christ: The Prince of Peace
The ministry of Jesus further demonstrates God’s ability to bring order out of chaos, both physically and spiritually. When Jesus calmed the storm in Mark 4:39, saying, “Peace (שָׁלוֹם, shalom), be still,” He illustrated His authority over the forces of nature and chaos. Similarly, His work of salvation brings peace to the human soul, transforming lives and reconciling humanity to God.
The Anti-Biblical Nature of “Grand Rising”
In contrast to the biblical understanding of “morning” as a time of renewal and divine mercy, some modern spiritual movements have rejected the phrase “good morning” due to a misunderstanding of the English language and its connection to Scripture. They replace it with phrases like “grand rising,” claiming that “morning” is inherently negative or connected to “mourning.” This view not only reflects a linguistic error but also runs counter to the biblical worldview.
1.The Misunderstanding of Language
The English word “morning” comes from the Old English morgen, meaning the start of the day. It has no etymological connection to “mourning,” which derives from the Old English murnan, meaning to grieve. The similarity in sound between these two words is purely coincidental and unrelated in meaning.
In Hebrew, the word for morning, בֹּקֶר (bôqer), carries rich symbolism of light breaking through darkness, clarity, and God’s faithfulness. Far from being associated with grief or negativity, morning is celebrated throughout Scripture as a time of joy and renewal:
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning (בֹּקֶר, bôqer): great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
2.Biblical Morning as a Time of Hope
The Bible consistently highlights morning as a time to experience God’s blessings and renewed mercies. For example:
•Psalm 30:5: “Weeping may endure for a night (לַיְלָה, laylah), but joy cometh in the morning (בֹּקֶר, bôqer).”
•Psalm 5:3: “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning (בֹּקֶר, bôqer), O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”
Morning represents the renewal of hope and life, a stark contrast to the mistaken association with death or grief.
3.Rejecting Biblical Tradition
The rejection of “good morning” in favor of “grand rising” reflects an anti-biblical approach that introduces superstition and undermines the biblical understanding of language and creation. By rejecting traditional greetings based on linguistic errors, individuals distance themselves from the biblical worldview and risk embracing ideas that lack Scriptural foundation.
Rabbinic and Jewish Perspectives on Morning
In Jewish tradition, morning (בֹּקֶר, bôqer) is a sacred time for prayer and thanksgiving. The Shacharit (morning prayer service) is one of the three daily prayers, emphasizing gratitude for God’s gift of life and renewal. The Modeh Ani prayer, recited upon waking, reflects this sentiment:
“I thank You (מוֹדֶה אֲנִי, Modeh Ani), living and eternal King, for You have mercifully restored my soul within me; Your faithfulness (אֱמוּנָה, emunah) is great.”
Rabbinic teachings further associate morning with light (אוֹר, or), clarity, and the fulfillment of God’s purposes. In the Talmud (Berakhot 9b), morning is seen as a time of divine blessing and order, affirming the biblical view of morning as a positive and life-affirming time.
The Superstition of “Grand Rising”
The phrase “grand rising” often emerges from modern spiritual movements that mix new-age ideas with unbiblical concepts. These movements frequently reject biblical teachings and adopt alternative spiritual practices. By replacing “good morning” with “grand rising,” individuals may unknowingly adopt a worldview that:
•Misunderstands the significance of morning (בֹּקֶר, bôqer) in Scripture.
•Replaces biblical truth with superstition and linguistic fallacies.
•Strays from the biblical emphasis on light (אוֹר, or), renewal, and God’s faithfulness.
Conclusion
The Bible reveals a God who brings order (סֵדֶר, seder) out of chaos (תֹּהוּ, tohu), transforming darkness (חֹשֶׁךְ, choshekh) into light (אוֹר, or) and restoring hope where there was despair. Morning (בֹּקֶר, bôqer) is a powerful symbol of this truth, representing God’s mercies, faithfulness, and renewal. Rejecting phrases like “good morning” in favor of alternatives such as “grand rising” reflects a misunderstanding of both Scripture and language, introducing superstition where there should be truth.
Believers are called to embrace the biblical worldview, celebrating morning as a time of joy, renewal, and gratitude for God’s continued work in creation. By anchoring our understanding in Scripture, we can reject false teachings and remain rooted in the hope and order that God provides. Let us confidently say, “Good morning,” rejoicing in the new mercies that God gives each day.
