If you did not know, today is "Earth Day." I understand that Earth Day is a politically-charged event, and there are strong feelings on both sides. There is no doubt that zealous environmentalists were involved in its initial organization and development. Ironically, as reported in today's New York Times, organizers at the first annual event in 1970 held tech-ins "to challenge corporate and government leaders" but today corporations have their finger prints all over the activities of Earth Day (see www.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/science/earth/22earth.html). Interestingly, too, that New York Mayor John Lindsay likened an earth day gathering to a "secular revival meeting" (ibid.), since environmentalism has become a religion to many and even has become a cause championed by a growing number in Christendom.
May I remind you of a few important facts as the world observes "Earth Day"?
First, "The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains" (Ps. 24:1; 1 Cor. 10:26). This idea was first spoken in scripture by Moses to Pharaoh as part of the explanation for the ten plagues (Ex. 9:29). David is focused on the Messiah in Psalm 24 as the third part of three looks at Him as Sufferer (Ps. 22), Shepherd (Ps. 23), and Sovereign (Ps. 24). This Lord of creation holds ownership rights to it all. Paul quotes this Psalm to help a troubled church fighting over inconsequentials and reminds them that meat is a part of all things on earth owned by the Lord. God writes the rules about its usage and intent, which includes the use of trees for houses and buildings (Dt. 20:19-20; 1 Kings 4:33), the use of animals for meat (Gen. 9:2-3; Acts 10:13ff), and the use of mined ores, precious stones, and similar materials (Gen. 24:53; 2 Chr. 32:27). As the brilliant Designer, God has made the earth a vast repository of natural resources for man's use while here.
Second, "The earth is ours" (Gen. 1:26). Man was created to rule "over all the earth." We are stewards of its resources, but we should remember that it is here for our use. Christians will not overly obsess over the earth, nor will we make environmentalism our chief cause. May we never forget that our top priority is to "seek and save the lost" (cf. Lk. 19:10) and not to "save the planet."
Finally, "The earth is temporary" (cf. 2 Pet. 3:10ff). These passages above remind us that the God who made it all has the right and has made the promise that some day He will bring it all to an end (cf. 2 Pet. 3:10ff). It is His to do with as He pleases. Let us not get so fixated on it that we lose sight of the endless home of the soul where we all will undoubtedly go (cf. Ecc. 12:5).
What will you do on "Earth Day"? A lot of that is simply up to you. But, today and every day, make sure you are preparing yourself for that great and final day for which there is no day that compares (2 Pet. 3:10).
Neal Pollard
May I remind you of a few important facts as the world observes "Earth Day"?
First, "The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains" (Ps. 24:1; 1 Cor. 10:26). This idea was first spoken in scripture by Moses to Pharaoh as part of the explanation for the ten plagues (Ex. 9:29). David is focused on the Messiah in Psalm 24 as the third part of three looks at Him as Sufferer (Ps. 22), Shepherd (Ps. 23), and Sovereign (Ps. 24). This Lord of creation holds ownership rights to it all. Paul quotes this Psalm to help a troubled church fighting over inconsequentials and reminds them that meat is a part of all things on earth owned by the Lord. God writes the rules about its usage and intent, which includes the use of trees for houses and buildings (Dt. 20:19-20; 1 Kings 4:33), the use of animals for meat (Gen. 9:2-3; Acts 10:13ff), and the use of mined ores, precious stones, and similar materials (Gen. 24:53; 2 Chr. 32:27). As the brilliant Designer, God has made the earth a vast repository of natural resources for man's use while here.
Second, "The earth is ours" (Gen. 1:26). Man was created to rule "over all the earth." We are stewards of its resources, but we should remember that it is here for our use. Christians will not overly obsess over the earth, nor will we make environmentalism our chief cause. May we never forget that our top priority is to "seek and save the lost" (cf. Lk. 19:10) and not to "save the planet."
Finally, "The earth is temporary" (cf. 2 Pet. 3:10ff). These passages above remind us that the God who made it all has the right and has made the promise that some day He will bring it all to an end (cf. 2 Pet. 3:10ff). It is His to do with as He pleases. Let us not get so fixated on it that we lose sight of the endless home of the soul where we all will undoubtedly go (cf. Ecc. 12:5).
What will you do on "Earth Day"? A lot of that is simply up to you. But, today and every day, make sure you are preparing yourself for that great and final day for which there is no day that compares (2 Pet. 3:10).
Neal Pollard
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