Observing God's Work in the World and Personal Life
Observing God's Work in the World and Personal Life
The biblical concept of observing God's work is rooted in the understanding that God is actively involved in the world and in the lives of individuals. The Psalmist invites readers to "come and see the works of God; how awesome are His deeds toward mankind" [2]. This call to observe God's work is not limited to grand or miraculous events but encompasses the everyday aspects of life and the natural world.
The book of Ecclesiastes provides insight into the human experience of observing God's work. The author reflects on the task God has given to humans, describing it as a "grievous task" that preoccupies them [1, 3]. This task involves seeking and searching out the wisdom of God's works, which are considered great and wonderful [8]. The author of Ecclesiastes also notes that God's work is unchangeable and that nothing can be added to or taken from it [6].
In the view of some Christian traditions, observing God's work involves recognizing His providence and care over His creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights God's role in preserving and providing for His creatures, as well as guiding the ways of men [4]. This understanding is echoed in the commentary of John Gill on Psalms 111:2, which emphasizes the greatness of God's works in creation and providence [8].
The act of observing God's work is not merely a passive observation but involves an active engagement with the world around us. Adam Clarke's commentary on Job 37:14 encourages readers to "hearken unto this" and "stand still" to consider the wondrous works of God [7]. This call to contemplation and reflection is also present in Matthew Henry's commentary on Job 36:24, which urges readers to represent the work of God as illustrious and conspicuous [5].
In the Christian life, observing God's work is closely tied to the pursuit of wisdom and the cultivation of reverence for God. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:14, the unchangeableness of God's purposes is designed to lead humans to fear before Him [6]. This fear is not a fear of terror but a deep respect and awe for God's power and wisdom.
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of seeking God's kingdom and observing His work in the world. The Tyndale House commentary on Luke 12:31 encourages readers to "adopt God's value system, pursue his purpose in the world, and submit to his authority" [9]. This involves recognizing God's work in the life of Jesus Christ and the ongoing work of redemption and salvation.
Sources
- Ecclesiastes “Ecclesiastes 3:10 (LEB) — I have seen the busyness God gives to ⌞humans⌟ to preoccupy them.”
- Psalms “Psalms 66:5 (BSB) — Come and see the works of God; how awesome are His deeds toward mankind.”
- Ecclesiastes “Ecclesiastes 1:13 (LEB) — I applied my mind to seek and to search by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. It is a grievous task God has given to ⌞humans⌟.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Providence of God, The — Is his care over his works -- Ps 145:9. Is exercised in Preserving his creatures. -- Ne 9:6; Ps 36:6; Mt 10:29. Providing for his creatures. -- Ps 104:27,28; 136:25; 147:9; Mt 6:26. The special preservation of saints. -- Ps 37:28; 91:11; Mt 10:30. Prospering saints. -- Ge 24:48,56. Protecting saints. -- Ps 91:4; 140:7. Delivering saints. -- Ps 91:3; Isa 31:5. Leading saints. -- De 8:2,15; Isa 31:5. Leading saints. -- De 8:2,15; Isa 63:12. Bringing His words to pass. -- Nu 26:65; Jos 21:45; Lu 21:32,33. Ordering the ways of men. -- Pr 16:9; 19”
- Job (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Job 36:24: Elihu is here endeavouring to possess Job with great and high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him into a cheerful submission to his providence. I. He represents the work of God, in general, as illustrious and conspicuous, Job 36:24. His whole work is so. God does nothing mean. This is a good reason why we should acquiesce in all the operations of his providence concerning us in particular. His visible works, those of nature, and which concern the world in general, are such as we admire and commend, and in which we observe the Creator's wisdom, power, and goodnes”
- Ecclesiastes (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ecclesiastes 3:14: (Sa1 3:12; Sa2 23:5; Psa 89:34; Mat 24:35; Jam 1:17). for ever--as opposed to man's perishing labors (Ecc 2:15-18). any thing taken from it--opposed to man's "crooked and wanting" works (Ecc 1:15; Ecc 7:13). The event of man's labors depends wholly on God's immutable purpose. Man's part, therefore, is to do and enjoy every earthly thing in its proper season (Ecc 3:12-13), not setting aside God's order, but observing deep reverence towards God; for the mysteriousness and unchangeableness of God's purposes are designed to lead "man to fear befo”
- Job (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Job 37:14: Hearken unto this - Hear what I say on the part of God. Stand still - Enter into deep contemplation on the subject. And consider - Weigh every thing; examine separately and collectively; and draw right conclusions from the whole. The wondrous works of God - Endless in their variety; stupendous in their structure; complicated in their parts; indescribable in their relations and connections; and incomprehensible in the mode of their formation, in the cohesion of their parts, and in the ends of their creation.”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 111:2: The works of the Lord are great,.... His works of creation are great, being made out of nothing, are the effects of great power, and the produce of great wisdom, and which greatly display the glory of their Maker; the works of providence are great, which are daily wrought, especially such as concern the church and people of God, for whom he does great things, whereof they have reason to be glad and praise his name; the miracles of Christ he wrought here on earth were surprisingly great, some of them such as had not keen known from the creation of the world; and yet g”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 12:31: 12:31 Seek the Kingdom of God: Adopt God’s value system, pursue his purpose in the world, and submit to his authority.”