A God Who Works

This is what the Lord says—the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands? It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts. Isaiah 45:11-12 (NIV)

When asked to describe who God is and what He is like, most Christians tend to give an account of His divine attributes. They will passionately proclaim that God is good, loving, holy, wise, or omnipotent. However, what is almost never mentioned is the notion of God as a worker. For whatever reason, most overlook, or at least do not actively consider, this glaring reality of who God is.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

This is the first verse of the first book on the very first pages of the Bible. It is the first time we are introduced to the God who is there. It is also the beginning of the whole story of God and humanity that is about to unfold.

At this story’s inception, we are immediately introduced to the main character: God. And this God is depicted in a particular way. He is active. He is doing something. He is creating. He is working. This is who God is. He is the Creator God. This is the principle way He expresses Himself to His creation.

Certainly, as the story progresses, we learn that God is love. We discover that He is all-knowing, patient, just, merciful, and so on. Yet all of these things are only possible because He first and foremost creates. Without His work as Creator there would be no environment or creatures for Him to manifest His love, grace, or wrath. Thus, the reality of God as a worker has immense implications. Not only in how we view God, but also in how we view our own work.

If God intentionally involves Himself in work, then it must be a good thing. It must be a meaningful, valuable, and noble thing. One that we should joyfully participate in with all our might. In John 13:16, Jesus proclaims, “I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message.” We are in no way greater or better than God, our creator. And, if He works, then we ought to work with joy and excellence as well.