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Creation story: The blessing of God

Creation story: The blessing of God
Genesis 1:21b-22, 27-28; 2:1-3.

Amid the daily grind and challenges of life, it’s easy to lose sight of how life was originally designed to function. By that, I mean, it’s actually easy to lose sight of the fact that we are an inherently blessed creation.

The creation story shows us that God has blessed his creation. He did not create and leave us to figure things out on our own. He has blessed His creation, and His blessing reveals His design for it. He blessed us to replenish, rule and rest in Him.

  • Replenish.
“And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number…’” (vv. 21b-22, 28a). On the fifth and sixth days, God blessed His good creation, fish, birds, and humans alike, with the ability to replenish the earth. Whatever God created, he saw that it was good. He then blessed them to expand and create more life. God’s idea of a blessed creation is one that is replenishing and increasing in what is good. That’s what brings Him pleasure (John 15:8). Is that how we think of a blessed life? Do we see a blessed life as growing in what is good in God’s sight?

  • Rule.
“God blessed them and said to them, ‘…rule over the fish in the sea…’” (v. 28). On the sixth day, humans received a blessing that distinguishes them from the rest of creation: “rule”. The distinguishing command to rule is rooted in a distinguishing nature, which is that humans were created in God’s image (v. 27). So, to rule is to care, to steward, and, more specifically, to act like God towards his creation. And how do you treat a product the way the manufacturer would? By understanding the manufacturer’s manual (Deut 17:18-20; Josh 1:6-8). Do we see a blessed life as living by God’s manual, His word?

  • Rest.
“Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy…” (2:3). The final blessing of the creation narrative isn’t directed at a living creature, but at time itself. By setting apart and sanctifying the seventh day, God established a rhythm of rest (the Sabbath) as an essential, holy part of the fabric of existence. Rest is not an afterthought; it is a blessing from God to His creation from which they exist and function (Gen 2:21-23). This rest is rooted in God’s completed work (2:1-2), expressed in Jesus (Matt 12:8; 11:28-29), and simply invites our trust. Do we see a blessed life as trusting in God for everyday life?

Reflect & Pray
What comes to mind when you think of a blessed life? How does the creation story challenge you to live closer to God’s design?
Thank You, Father of all creation, for blessing all creation. Help me to live in your blessing by living according to your design, in Jesus’ name, amen.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…and he will make your paths straight.” Prov 3:5-6.
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