Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The garden of creation: God’s care for the earth

Bible Reading: Genesis 2: 4 - 9

Genesis 2: 5 – 6
And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. But the
 
DEVOTION

When I was moving to a new rental place, I called my friends to help me with the move. One of my friends volunteered to bring his brand-new white pickup truck to help transport my belongings. When we were offloading one of the items, I lost my balance, and it left a very small, albeit noticeable scratch on his truck. While I apologized profusely, I could see that my friend’s heart sank as this was a deeply valued possession. 
If only we could see this earth and everything in it the same way?
The scripture portion today reminds us that God created the world. Even when there were no rains, He has made every plant and herb grow by providing mist from the earth which watered the whole face of the ground (v6). The Triune God is fully capable and perfect to sustain everything that he has made. Yet, He chooses to place it in our care. God has entrusted us with so much—not so we can hoard, misuse, or destroy, but so we can care for it, nurture it, help it flourish, and find joy in His blessings. 
How much more effort and care would we show if we continually remembered that everything we have—including our land and possessions—has been entrusted to us by God, and that He is the true owner of it all? And just like my friend felt pain over a mark on his prized truck, God is grieved when we harm the earth. After all, it belongs to Him—and we are only here for a short while, as caretakers of His creation.

PRAYER

Lord, help us to remember that we are only caretakers of your possession be it land, wealth or possessions. Help us to use each of our blessings to draw closer to you.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Psalms 24:1
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

Noel George - Long Island Mar Thoma Church, New York

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