Human life swims in the abundance of God’s good works. He is forever laying a foundation for life to prosper, from one generation to the next.

This is evident all through the bible. In Genesis 1, we see how God prepares all things in anticipation of humanity’s creation. Every element for human life and growth is supplied by God in advance. “And God saw that it was good”. He declared it to be fit for the purpose he had in mind.

In contrast to mankind’s self-glorifying and sinful attempt to build their own way to heaven in Genesis 11, God’s promises to Abraham in Genesis 12 emphasise that God will make these things happen. God isn’t opposed to mankind reaching the heights of heaven or having their name renowned, per se. He is concerned that these things are achieved by him and are irradiated with his glory. It is his good work that we are to be blessed with because it is only by his power that they are in any way achievable (cf. Romans 4).

God’s praiseworthy deeds in redeeming his people from Egypt are epitomised in verses like Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still”. They are also celebrated in the song of Moses and Miriam in Exodus 15, a song which echoes through history in the songs of Hannah (1 Sam 2), Mary (Luke 1:46-59) and Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79).

But ultimately, the most glorious and praiseworthy deed of our God is seen in the life-giving work of his Son. In Jesus’ atoning and redemptive sacrifice, his defeat of sin and death, and in his resurrection and ascension to glory, God has acted with an unsurpassed power to secure us for the blessings of his kingdom and to secure the blessings of his kingdom for us (1 Peter 1:3-9).

From creation to promise to fulfilment to new creation, it is only by God’s grace and praiseworthy deeds that we are saved and have life. May his goodness ever be the theme of our character, conviction and interaction with anyone we encounter.