Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Genesis 1:24-25 And God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds--livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds." And it was so. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
LIKE FATHER ...
As part of his summer job a young college student was given the task of sanding both sides of rough-cut slices of pine about 6" across. The young man asked for more information. He wanted to know what the slices of pine would be used for. At first the foreman thought the young fellow was complaining about the job he'd been given. But then he realized that he wanted to know what he was helping to make, so that, visualizing the final result of his labors, he could do a better job. (A display of beautifully polished agate slices would hang from each sanded and stained slice of pine.)
In the same way a Ford assembly line worker may well focus on the fact that is not just tightening a series of nuts and bolts, but building a classic pickup truck.
As Christians we know that when it comes to making things, where we start is more wonderful than any finished product. For when we make things we are following in the footsteps of the heavenly Father who made us. When we can look at what we have made and find it good, that is a reflection on and a reflection of our Maker. After all, everything we make originates with Him-- from the raw materials we employ to the gifts and abilities we use in our work. Interestingly, even the LORD did not always "start from scratch" in His creative work. Sometimes He drew on what He had made earlier in that first creation week (cp. Gen 1:24).
Knowing that our Creator-God has has not only made us but redeemed us as well, gives us a double motive to thank and praise him in and through the work we do. We are both wonderfully made and wondrously purchased-- to show forth His praises in everything we do.
All praise to God, who reigns above, The God of all creation,
The God of wonders, power, and love, The God of our salvation!
You who confess Christ's holy name, To God give praise and glory!
You who the Father's power proclaim, To God give praise and glory!
