In Part 1, we considered the reason why God describes creation as “very good.” Just as a great painting reflects the glory of the master artist, God created everything for his glory.

God is most glorified when his creation works like it was designed to work. This idea is epitomized by the Old Testament idea of shalom.

The life of Jesus gives us a glimpse of this shalom.

During his ministry on earth, Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and fed the five thousand. Did Jesus heal everyone that was sick, did he feed everyone that was hungry?

He didn’t, but as the Son of God, he could have done anything he wanted to do.

Then why didn’t he?

Theologians suggest that Jesus was demonstrating his power and authority in these signs and wonders. There is another reason, too.

The third chapter of the four-chapter gospel, redemption, is about “showing the way things could be.”

When Jesus healed the blind man he was showing people there could be a time when no one was blind.

When he fed the five thousand he was showing people there could be a time when no one was hungry.

We read in Revelation 21:4 that the fourth chapter of the four-chapter gospel, restoration, is coming, a time when,

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

As Christ’s disciples in this present age, Christians are to imitate him by working to bring about flourishing. Christians do this in order to show those within their spheres of influence the way things could be, and point to the way things will be when Jesus returns to consummate his kingdom.

The work of our hands should produce flourishing that glorifies God and serves the common good, extending God’s kingdom in the here and now.

CLS Prayer

Dear God, Help me to work to bring about human flourishing. Remind me daily that I am part of your kingdom to show the world the way things could be. As your children, we are the salt and light of you on the earth, so please give me the strength to live and reflect you daily. Amen.

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CLS is working with the Institue for Faith, Work & Economics (IFWE) to provide thoughtful and inpsiring devotionals to CLS members.  

Hugh Whelchel is Executive Director of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (www.tifwe.org)  and author of How Then Should We Work?: Rediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work.

IFWE is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) Christian research organization committed to promoting biblical and economic principles that help individuals find fulfillment in their work and contribute to a free and flourishing society.