Genesis 1:31 - Meaning and Application

Here we have God’s approval and the close of the whole work of creation. God’s work is perfect, and when he begins, he also brings his work to completion, in providence and in grace as well as here in creation.

Notice, first, the review God made of his work: he saw everything he had made. He still does this, for all the works of his hands are before his eye. The one who made all things sees all things, and the one who made us sees us (Psalm 139:1-16). God’s all-knowing nature cannot be separated from his all-powerful nature. His works are all known to him (Acts 15:18). This was the eternal mind’s careful reflection on the copies of its own wisdom and the results of its own power.

God has also set us an example by reviewing our own work. Since he has given us the power to reflect, he expects us to use it. We should look at our ways (Jeremiah 2:23) and think on them (Psalm 119:59). When we finish a day’s work and enter the rest of the night, we should talk with our own hearts about what we have done that day. When we finish a week’s work and enter the Sabbath rest, we should prepare in the same way to meet our God. And when we are finishing our life’s work and entering the rest of the grave, that is the time to remember our ways, so we may die repentant and leave this world rightly.

Notice, second, the satisfaction God took in his work. When we look back at our work, we must often be ashamed, because much of it has been bad. But when God looked at his work, everything was very good. He did not say it was good until he had seen it, teaching us not to answer a matter before hearing it. The work of creation was a truly good work. Everything God made was well made, with no flaw or defect in it.

It was good because it was fully in line with the Creator’s mind, exactly as he wanted it. When the copy was compared with the great original, it matched perfectly, with no mistakes or missing details. It was good because it answered the purpose for which it was made. It was good because it was useful to man, whom God had appointed ruler over the visible creation. It was good because it all brought glory to God. In the whole visible creation there is clear proof that God exists and that he is perfect, and it leads the human soul to honor and revere him.

It was very good. On each day’s work, except the second, God had said that it was good. But now he says it is very good. This was true, first, because man had now been made, and man was the chief work of God’s hands. He was designed to be the visible image of the Creator’s glory and the mouth of creation in praise to God. It was true, second, because everything was now complete. Each part was good, but together they were very good.

The glory and goodness, beauty and harmony of God’s works, both in providence and in grace, will be seen best when they are finished. When the final stone is set in place, we shall cry, “Grace, grace, to it” (Zechariah 4:7). So do not judge anything before its proper time.

Notice, third, the time when this work was finished: the evening and the morning were the sixth day. In six days God made the world. We should not think God had to take six days, for he could have made the world in an instant. The same God who said, “Let there be light,” and there was light, could have said, “Let there be a world,” and it would have stood at once, in the twinkling of an eye, as at the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:52). But he did it in six days to show that he is free, working in his own way and in his own time.

He also did it so his wisdom, power, and goodness could be seen more clearly and thought about more deeply. And he did it to give us an example of working six days and resting the seventh. That is why this truth is used as the reason for the fourth commandment. God had regard to the Sabbath, knowing how much it would help preserve religion in the world, and he shaped the timing of creation with that in view.

Now, as God reviewed his work, let us review our thoughts about it. We will find that our thoughts have been weak and faulty, and our praises low and dull. So let us stir ourselves up, and all that is within us, to worship him who made heaven, earth, and sea, and the springs of waters, according to the message of the everlasting gospel, which is preached to every nation (Revelation 14:6-7). All his works, in every place under his rule, praise him. Therefore, bless the Lord, O my soul.