Repairing the World

One of the observational laws of physics says that things move from order to disorder. This wasn’t always the case. God created the world with perfect order and harmony. When sin entered, it disrupted that order and in crept chaos. We see its effect not just in our physical world but also in humanity. Relationships designed for protection and nurturing become unsafe and embittered. We see it in unfulfilled work, church splits, disease, injustice and cruelty. Sin brings chaos, not just to our personal lives, but also to our world at large.

To reverse this process, there must be an outside interference. Fortunately, God intervened in our fallen state. Before the very onset of the chaos, God purposed a plan to restore order. We see allusions to this plan throughout the Bible, beginning in Genesis. The final payment is rendered by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

God is in the process of not just restraining chaos, but also of restoring order. We will see its final fulfillment one day when He rules over the new heaven and earth. Indeed, His restoration work is already under way.

Our Jewish friends have a phrase, tikkun olam, which means “repair of the world.” It sits in this idea of righteous acts to bring the world back into godliness. It meshes with the New Testament idea of bringing the Kingdom of God. This is not about working our way to salvation, but about participating with the God who has already redeemed us to further His kingdom.

One day we will return to order and harmony in all its fullness. God is bringing His kingdom and He will be the one to complete it. Until then, we get to participate in restoration work. He has chosen us to be His hands and feet to begin the building process… one kind word, one act of mercy, one hot meal, one cool cup of water, one word of forgiveness, one person, one relationship at a time.

I've asked God to open my eyes to the possibilities, big and small, that come my way. It might be simple encouragement to a colleague or a smile to a clerk. Or it may include sacrifice to invest in a struggling family seeking peace and safety. What need is God showing you? Where are we joining His work? Where will God use us to help bring order from chaos?

 

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17

4 Responses

  1. Thank you Jennifer for this insightful note which I posted on Face book. So many people are questioning the cause of chaos in the world, especially today. May God continue to use you as his instrument to share His Truth with the world. God is faithful...joyful day! Baukien
  2. I love this! I love the idea of our righteous acts repairing the world. What a great way to look at things.
  3. Jennifer, Rosie just referred me to this post and it's insight. Yes, she is on a mission to help those in need one day at a time. Thank you so much for supporting her efforts and for giving me an opportunity to share with her the ways I know that you too have done this work. I hope that the two of you will be able to meet in the future!
  4. jen
    So excited for Rosie! She must be a remarkable young woman. God will use all that you and John have instilled in her and do great things. Blessings, my friend!

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