Day 4 | Create and restore

Reflection

The third instruction Jeremiah gives the Israelites is an invitation to join in on the creative and restorative work of God.

You and I have been created in the image of God. To use the Latin phrase, we're the 'imago Dei'.

And we are, consequently, here to do imago Dei things. Of course, in our weakness, this isn’t always the way it works out. But nevertheless, if we were to strip back our purpose to its absolute core, we are made in the image of God to do the things the one who made us in his image also does.

Just as in Eden, where God’s creative work provides for humanity, brings order from chaos, creates beauty, and releases potential, in our lives, we get to do the same. And just as Jesus came to restore creation to himself, our work can be redemptive, restoring God’s original good intent in creation.

What might joining in God’s creative work look like today? Perhaps it's painting a get-well-soon card for a friend, designing a website that makes doing tax returns a joy (yes, really), or cooking something delicious for a neighbourhood street party.

And how might you participate in restoring creation to God’s original good intent? You might help mend the rift between two feuding friends, ensure the lady over the road has enough food to be getting by while she’s unwell, or stand up for a colleague when others gossip behind their back.

Over this journey, we'll see how Jeremiah’s three 'purpose' instructions – to seek shalom, to remain faithful, and to be creators and restorers in God’s image – apply to the different parts of our own daily lives.

From tomorrow, we'll spend a week looking at purpose in our daily work.

Father, help us see how we can be both creative and restorative in your image through our daily routines. As we create with our hands and restore what is corrupt, we thank you for the privilege of being invited to join you in this work.