Why Does It Matter That God Called Creation "Very Good"?
As we look at the first five days of creation in Genesis, the phrase “And God saw that it was good” pops up four times (Genesis 1:10, 12, 18, 25).
Why the difference on the sixth day?
At the end of the sixth day God is finished with his work of creation and is looking back at everything he has made.
In this entire creation, from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies spinning in space, everything works exactly as he planned.
This creation that God majestically called forth into being is good. It is good in its individual parts, and it is good as a whole, as an integrated system. In fact, in this integrative cosmic sense, the text informs us that God declared it to be very good.
Here we find the first hint of God’s original intent for his creation. The purpose of God was to be glorified by his creation.
This is another 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 webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight…Shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness and delight – a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed, Shalom, in other words, is the way things ought to be.… The full flourishing of human life in all aspects, as God intended it to be.
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?
Of course. As the son of God, he could have done anything he wanted to do.
Theologians suggest that Jesus was demonstrating his power and authority in these signs and wonders. This is correct, but there is another reason, too.
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.
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.