“The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord” – Psalm 24:1 (HCSB)
God owns the earth and controls everything and everyone in it. He has allowed us to live in it and take responsibility for what is done in it. When we misuse and abuse its resources, including its people, we will answer for it.
We are familiar with the account in Matthew 21:33 of the landowner who let his vineyard out to tenants to plant while he went to another country. They were required to give him some of the fruit or pay him from the yield. However, when he sent his servants to them, they ill-treated and threw them out of the vineyard. He therefore sent his own son and heir. They knew this was the heir and decided to kill him so they could have his inheritance. We know for sure that this landowner would repay the tenants for their evil deeds.
In like manner, God will return for His earth, and we, His tenants, will give an account for how we took care of it. We are urged to abstain from evil desires and passions of the flesh and pursue conduct that reflects our love for God and all His creation (1st Peter 2:11-15).
Too often, we fail to realise or acknowledge our need for God and live our lives oblivious to this truth. When we encounter adverse or tragic situations, we ask, “How can a loving God allow this to happen?” Let us remember we were created by Him, in Him, and for Him, and no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11). Remember, God uses all things to move us toward spiritual maturity and to position us as witnesses of His faithfulness.
Prayer
Lord, we acknowledge that the earth could not exist or be sustained without You, and we bow in reverence to Your greatness, Your power, and Your love. We thank You, Lord, for looking upon us with mercy and blotting out our transgressions. We ask humbly that You help us to do Your will, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Psalm 95:4-5; 1 Chronicles 29:11
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 19:13-22; 1 Corinthians 4; 1 Chronicles 26:20-32; 1 Chronicles 27