Created To Flourish: Work, Rest, And God's Purpose - Genesis 1:28 Series

Created to Flourish: Work, Rest, and God's Purpose - Genesis 1:28

Genesis 1:28 (NLT) – “Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.’”

Introduction:

Today we’re going to explore a vital truth that transforms the way we live: God created us with a purpose. He has woven work, rest, and stewardship into the fabric of our being. Our jobs, homes, and even the small, seemingly insignificant tasks in life are part of God’s grand design. From the very beginning, He gave humanity a commission, and that calling echoes through history.

Genesis 1:28 tells us of this mandate: "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground." Here, God blesses humanity and entrusts us with the responsibility to be stewards over creation. This call has not faded; it’s a divine reminder that our work matters.

In this sermon, we’ll look at God’s purpose for work, how it’s tied to creation, and how it reflects His nature. We will explore what it means to balance work and rest, and how we can glorify God in everything we do.

1. God's Purpose for Work: A Divine Calling

Let’s start with God’s command in Genesis 1:28 (NLT), “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” The Hebrew word for "govern" is ????? (radah), meaning to rule or have dominion. But notice, this dominion is not harsh or exploitative. Rather, it is stewardship, where we manage God’s creation with care and wisdom.

This calling to steward the earth wasn’t just for Adam and Eve; it extends to all of us. We are invited to join God in the ongoing work of creation, contributing to its flourishing. Work, therefore, is not a curse but a part of God's original plan.

Even in the new heavens and new earth, God’s design for human flourishing through work continues. Isaiah 65:21-22 (NLT) gives us a glimpse of this: “In those days people will live in the houses they build and eat the fruit of their own vineyards. Unlike the past, invaders will not take their houses and confiscate their vineyards. For my people will live as long as trees, and my chosen ones will have time to enjoy their hard-won gains.” This passage speaks of a future where work is fruitful and satisfying, free from oppression and futility.

Whether you’re an office worker, stay-at-home parent, student, or retiree, your work matters to God. He has called you to be fruitful, multiply, and steward the resources around you. This is your divine calling.

As Pastor Tim Keller puts it, “Work is as much a basic human need as food, beauty, rest, friendship, prayer, and sexuality; it is not simply medicine but food for our soul.” We thrive when we fulfil this God-given purpose of contributing to His creation.

2. God’s Example: Work and Rest in Balance

John 5:17 (NLT) tells us, “But Jesus replied, ‘My Father is always working, and so am I.’” This reveals something profound: God works! The very act of creation is a testament to God's work, and Jesus continues to work in sustaining and redeeming the world. God’s work is constant, but it is not frantic. He also models rest. In Genesis, after six days of creation, God rested.

We read in Genesis 2:2 (NLT), “On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work.” The Hebrew word for rest here is ?????? (shabbat), which means to cease or stop. God did not rest because He was tired—He rested to reflect on the goodness of His creation.

In Psalm 104:24-30 (NLT), we see that God’s works are manifold and full of wisdom. Creation itself reflects the glory of God’s work. The psalmist says: “O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.” This reveals that our work, like God's, should be both productive and good.

Even Jesus, during His time on earth, was known as a carpenter. Mark 6:3 (NLT) says, “Then they scoffed, ‘He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary...’” Jesus took part in the work of daily life, modelling for us the dignity of honest labour.

We are called to work diligently but also to rest. Overwork can lead to burnout, while neglecting work can lead to a lack of purpose. We must follow God's example and balance both. Whether your work feels mundane or important, remember that it reflects the nature of God.