To Create

So much of the biblical literature focuses on God as Creator.

The prophets, song-writers and wise ones of the Old Testament repeatedly come back to the acknowledgment and praise that the LORD is the creator and maker of everything in heaven and on earth. Then, in the New Testament, Paul makes the connection that Jesus is Lord and that the world was made by Him and for Him. John's apocalyptic vision confirms this as he sees Jesus seated on the throne of heaven with throngs of creatures praising Him as the Holy Maker:

"They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.'" (Revelation 4:10-11)

Why is the Creator theme so predominant?

The 'usual' evangelical responses would include things like a) it ensures that humans know they are accountable to their Maker or b) that He has absolute authority over the creation because He made it.

While I think both of those conclusions are true, I can't help but wonder if there is something else at stake. To create, to fashion, to make, to sculpt--these are all words used of the LORD in describing His handiwork; these are also the words of beauty, creativity and art. The word "handiwork" itself indicates God's hands made all things; He was and is intimately involved in creating and sustaining beauty.

God did not manufacture the universe.

Even humanity's rebellion against Him did not get in the way of that persistent way He hand-crafts creation-art with loving eyes and generous brushstrokes of grace. And now we, His masterpieces, can reflect that by doing the beauty He's made us for:

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)