Theology @ Work - Fulfillment

OK so we’re called to partner with God in the workplace, as a part of the building of His Kingdom. But where is that all going? What’s the point of it all?

I’m almost at the end of this little blog post series on the theology of work as it impacts our daily work calling. We’re privileged to be a part of God’s kingdom-building vision, created and equipped by Him, called and redeemed by Him, bearers of His image and temples of His Spirit. But while we are thrilled by this honor and inspired by this purpose, there are certainly times when we look at the pain and suffering, the struggle and stress, the sin and evil around us, and we have to ask “when does it all end?” If we’re honest, there are days when all of us question God and ask Him if He is really sovereign, if He is really in control? And if He is, why doesn’t He just wrap up the whole experiment and start again?

However, the whole of Scripture looks forward to a fulfillment of God’s vision, of His dream, in which Creation is not just restored to its original pristine Eden condition, but is revealed in all its glorious potential. This vision is hinted at in Genesis, uncovered in God’s chosen people (blessed to be a blessing to all nations as in Genesis 12:1), promised in the prophets (most fully in the last couple of chapters of Isaiah) and offered as the ultimate hope for a suffering church in Revelation 21 and 22.

Our daily work is a part of God’s progressing of His Kingdom toward that ultimate fulfillment. Reformed theologians like to talk of the Kingdom as being “already now, but not yet” – that is we are living in the midst of it even while it is still in formation and what it will ultimately be has yet to be fully seen. This is our joy! We work for justice today, because the Kingdom in fulfillment will have no injustice – simply the perfect justice of a holy and merciful God (Revelation 21:7-8). We work today for healing because in the Kingdom’s ultimate state there will be “no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4b). We offer hope to all our colleagues because “the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 21:3-4a).

This is what we are made for. This is why we work. This is what God has equipped us for, called us to, and inspired (breathed His Spirit into) us for. Every relationship, every project, every contract, every keystroke, every brick laid, every blade of grass grown – all are contributions to the ultimate Kingdom of all kingdoms – the Kingdom of God. Wow!