Creation and the perfection of God’s design
God’s not just a craftsman. He’s a perfectionist. After each day of creation, he stands back, nods approvingly, and says, “It is good.”
In the beginning, before there was anything—no light, no sky, not even the faintest echo of a cricket—God speaks, and things start happening. “Let there be light,” he says, and suddenly, the darkness is pierced (Ge 1:3). One by one, each day brings a new act of divine creativity. The stars are scattered across the cosmos like glitter on a kindergarten craft project. The oceans, mountains, plants, and animals are brought forth in dazzling variety, each according to its kind. It’s like watching the greatest artist at work, making Michelangelo look like a kid with a crayon.
God’s not just a craftsman, though. He’s a perfectionist. After each day of creation, he stands back, nods approvingly, and says, “It is good.” You can hear the satisfaction in his voice. But this isn’t just good, like a decent cup of coffee in the morning. This is divine, unblemished goodness—full, rich, and teeming with purpose.
Then comes humanity, the crowning moment of it all. God doesn’t just speak Adam and Eve into existence like he does everything else. He gets personal, forming Adam from the dust of the ground and breathing into his nostrils the breath of life (Ge 2:7). It’s an act of intimacy, a reflection of the special relationship between the Creator and his created people.
Even better, humans are made in God’s image (see Genesis 1:26, 27). Unlike every other part of creation, humanity is set apart to reflect God’s character—his love, creativity, intelligence, and unique capacity for relationships.
Furthermore, we’re made to look after the garden. We are meant to represent God’s rule over creation. To be clear, though, dominion isn’t domination. It’s stewardship. God gives Adam and Eve the earth not as something to exploit but as something to nurture. It’s a paradise they’re called to rule over in partnership with their Creator.
The harmony is palpable. Adam and Eve enjoy perfect fellowship with God and with one another. There’s no shame, no hiding, and no brokenness. The world is in perfect balance. Creation and humanity exist in a seamless relationship of trust and peace. Just imagine the first man and woman walking with the LORD God in the garden in the cool of the day (Ge 3:8). They enjoy a rhythm to life that is effortless, harmonious, and, most importantly, whole.
It’s Eden, and everything about it is very good (Ge 1:31).