The First Day of Work
Scripture Reading — Genesis 1:1-25
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
I was eating lunch with a group of business owners, pastors, and other professionals when a middle-aged man shared his story with us. For over twenty years he had managed his own business, nurturing his company from little more than an idea into a successful venture. Sadly, he went on to explain that the only time his church ever showed interest in his work was when they needed him to write a check.
We spend as much as a third of our life working. We teach children, manage financial portfolios, invent technology, paint portraits, fill cavities, and much more! Does it matter? Of course. And we can be sure it matters especially to God.
We are going to spend this month exploring what the Bible says about work, beginning with the first worker: God himself! Already on the first page of Scripture God shows up as a worker. Out of nothing, God creates everything. He not only speaks the world into existence; he arranges it. Like a contractor preparing a worksite, God separates earth and sky, water and dry land. Like a physicist, he sets the stars, sun, and moon perfectly in motion. Like a sculptor, God forms all manner of living creatures. And then, each day, God blesses the work of his hands!
In our everyday work, we follow the pattern of the greatest worker, who is well-pleased with his labor—and ours!
Creator God, we marvel at the work of your hands. You are the great architect, artist, builder, farmer, and more! Teach us to do our work well, to honor you in all we do. Amen.
About the author — Rob Toornstra
Rob Toornstra has served as pastor of Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church in Salem, Oregon, since 2006. When not busy with pastoral duties, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their three children.
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