In Genesis, God grants humans dominion over the land and cautions people to take care of the land and all of the other creatures God had made. God clarifies the land has rights and deserves rest (a sabbath) in the same way as humankind. The land is not different than any other creature or thing; if you abuse it and force it outside its intended purpose, it will turn on you and inflict great pain. Our scripture reading in Leviticus reveals God’s warning of what would happen if humankind doesn’t deal fairly with the land.
The fall of humankind has caused humans to strive to get all they can, including their share of the land. Extreme self-centeredness drives the desire for “more.” Humans and countries grab up as much land and natural resources as possible, becoming tyrants and power mongers of land. Do you believe God intended for individuals to own land, or is all land God’s land, and human beings are commissioned to be the stewards of the land, making sure that no one is ever hungry or thirsty, sharing all of the land’s resources equitably?
Native Americans were living in the Americas before Columbus, and the early settlers supposedly discovered America. How can anyone claim to have discovered some new land if somebody else is already living there? Hmmm. Most American history books give Columbus all the credit for discovering the Americas, but that is misleading. The early settlers claimed rights to the land, the same land that the natives said belonged to God and all of creation. Do you see the disconnect there? Native Americans were following biblical principles, but the early settlers not so much.
There are countless examples of how humankind, under the influence of sin, took what belonged to God and claimed it as their own. Today, innovation, technology, and greed continue to attempt to extract all they can out of the land. The good news is that many farmers obey God’s command and allow their land to rest. Generally, resting winter farmland is part of crop rotation techniques, and a cover crop is often used to replenish the nutrients in the soil. However, some farmers let their winter farmland rest beyond just a season. Some let their fields lay fallow anywhere from a year to five years.¹
The land can only produce so many resources. The rapid growth of people in the world is mind-blowing. By 2050 there will be around 11 billion people living in the world. Less than 10,000 years ago, there were only a few million in the world as a whole. The wealthiest nations, like America, use 4-5 times more resources than the rest of the world. How long can the world sustain this mass consumption? Well, there are many competing theories. This subject is the “Big Elephant” in the room for world leaders. Nobody has a solid solution for overcoming the future catastrophic consequences of massive human population outpacing the resources needed to sustain this growth. This disturbing news should concern everyone person and government throughout the world.²
Again, we can turn to the Bible for warnings and wisdom to the world’s dilemma. Our scripture readings give us both examples and warnings for how to care for the land. As kingdom people, God commissioned us to do all we can to be kingdom stewards of the land; this means we must lead by example. What sacrifices are you willing to make to care for the land and her resources? You can do many things, so do your research and be committed to supporting practical kingdom solutions to preserve the world’s land and natural resources.
Scripture Readings
Reflection Questions
- What did you take away from today’s reflection and scripture readings?
- How have humans disobeyed God’s idea of dominion over the land and all the creatures of the earth?
- What are ways you can personally do better as a kingdom steward of the land?
- What can the body of Christ do to be better stewards over the land?
- How can humankind better support the farmers who work tirelessly to provide food for the world?
- Why is it imperative that humankind unify in caring for God’s land?
Prayer³
Oh Lord, I thank You that the earth is Yours and everything in it. I pray that we will all turn from our wicked ways and return to the true and living God. We declare the coming of revival in our Land in Jesus’ Name. Lord, may You awaken each of us that have fallen asleep that we may worship You in spirit and truth. I pray that our desires will be godly desires and that we will seek the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness. Amen.
Ellen schutte says
I sometimes find it hard to feel mankind is taking care of the land they live on when they dont take care of Their own bodies. Many times the new normal seems to be ill do for me and no-one matters. Kids aren’t being taught to be kind and help others and no more yes sir or madam. Gentlemen arent being taught to open doors. Some are but normally no. All my gr gr grandsons know they have to do it. And girls say thank you when they do. Sorry didn’t mean to write a book
Harold Long says
Hi Ellen,
You are never too long-winded, I always love when people speak their mind, and this platform gives you ample opportunity to do just that. You have a kingdom heart. Your kingdom family is continuously inspired by your commitment to living the kingdom life.
Shalom,
Pastor Harold
Lou Sutton says
My Grandfather had a Dairy farm in Red Bud. Il. He also grew corn, soy beans. I remember him very little because I was very young. He use to try and run me over with the tractor. I remember bringing in the cows for milking time. He came over from Munich Germany and was a very quiet man. It was Yes Sir and No Mam. Columbus in 1492 I remember from grade school. This has brought a new light to me on my heritage. It is All God’s Land. Amen!!!
Harold Long says
Hi Lou,
I received a speeding ticket in Red Bud, Missouri a long time ago. We are charged with taking care of the land and creatures, not using these resources how we choose, but how God told us to use them. Sin has caused all of us to lose sight of this command, and as a result, you see the implications it has had on the world. There isn’t anyone person or entity the blame, we are all at fault. The BIG question is, as kingdom people what are we going to do about it, starting NOW? There is a bible, called “Greening the Bible.” All the scriptures referencing land, conservation, God’s creation, and humankind’s responsibility for it all, is in green lettering. That reading will blow your mind.
Thanks for the comments.
Shalom,
Pastor Harold
Gregory Bieber says
I can remember as a young man going squirrel hunting early morning . Returning home tired , I chose not to clean the squirrels at the time and fell asleep . Being woke by thunder ( my dad ) , I got a first hand lesson on the sanctity of life from this man and immediately cleaned them . Being a large family we gave thanks and had them for dinner the next evening . We ate leftovers , had a large garden , butchered as a family once a year and learned to respect what GOD had given us . My dad was not religious per say , but I he had a respect that I hadn’t seen in alotta good people . I thank God for him and some of the teachings instilled through him .
Harold Long says
Hello Greg,
Your family taught you a valuable lesson, and I appreciate you sharing it with all of us. Leading the kingdom’s charge for what it looks like for humans to have dominion over the land and of all creation starts with us. It’s sad that many of the lessons you shared on not being passed on to our current generation.
Thank you for sharing.
Shalom,
Pastor Harold