Agents of New Creation
There are, James Jordan has argues, three “problems” to solve in Genesis 1:1-2: Formlessness, emptiness, and darkness. Yahweh forms the earth with light, by giving form, and by filling.
This is also the pattern of new creation. Jesus comes as the light of the world to dispel the darkness. He comes as the Word to give form to the world. He is exalted to fill all things. He is the Creator who comes to make new creation.
When He sends His Spirit, He makes the church into the agents of new creation. We are lights in the world. We speak His word to give form. We are sent out to fill all things.
And this applies especially to pastoral ministry. Pastors shine the light of the gospel into dark places. By preaching and teaching the Word, pastors give form to formless lives. At the table, pastors feed the flock and send out the people under the blessing of God to fill the earth.
Filled with the Spirit, pastors become agents of new creation.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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