God’s Vision for Creation
I wonder…
Can you imagine what it was like before the world began? And if you could hear the conversation between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit… What would it have been like?
Would they have come up with a vision statement? And if they did, what would it be?
In my imagining, from looking at some of the key themes through the Bible, it might have been something like ‘Life and Love in Abundance’.
The beginning of the book of Genesis tells of creation coming together in such perfect order, a home for people. A planet placed just the right distance from the sun, endowed with the right combinations of so many things to support life. The intricate details of the vast array of animal life, from ants to whales. Plant life in all its forms. Flowers displaying beauty through both sight and smell. The connectedness. The magnificent mechanisms that were established for life to continue, through seeds and babies.
God created people. To flourish in relationship with Him and each other as they set about caring for their garden home. Connected and deeply loved.
So, what happened?
Things entered that were not part of God’s original vision. Another player brought deception, sin and consequences like sadness, sickness, disaster and death. The perfect relationship broken. Creation suffering.
The question could be asked. ‘Has God’s vision changed’?
Well, no!
Jesus himself said, ‘I have come so they may have life. I want them to have it in the fullest possible way. (John 10:10b)
God’s great love was demonstrated through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection which we will reflect on and celebrate through Easter. The relationship restored with God’s hallmarks of Love and Life!
And, on the topic of our natural home, while there is still a long way to go, even now life is just beginning to return to some of the recent fire grounds. Rain has brought with it a little colour of green, and hope. The start of the journey of recovery and restoration…
Georgie Schuster
Baptism
'Having Your Child Baptised' is a short course to help parents and families prepare for their first baptism at Good Shepherd.
Our next course commences Tuesday 18 February at 7:30pm at Good Shepherd, continuing the next two Tuesday evenings (Feb 25, Mar 3).
For more info and how to register: