EARTH

WHAT GOD PLANS FOR OUR PLANET: Since, for example, God will destroy those "who are destroying the earth," (Re 11:18) we know to show respect not only for our fellow humans but also for our planet's fellow creatures large and small as well as the planet itself.

Leviticus 25:1-12 speaks of Israel caring for the land. Deuteronomy 25:4 and 22:6 discuss stewardship of domestic animals and wildlife. At Isaiah 5:8-10 God judges misusers of the land. Job 38:25-28 and Psalm 104:27-30 speak of God's care for the creation. Christ said God even cares for tiny sparrows (Mat 6:26, 10:29).

Back in Genesis, God says for humans to become many and tame the earth, not to become “too many” or destructively “over-populate” the earth. Only God, not greedy corporations or other polluters, has the right to someday end then recreate our beloved planet.

Those teaching Earth can never end ignore that Matthew 24:35, Luke 21:33 and Revelation 21:1 say earth will end (read the verses) although there will later be a "new heavens and new earth." So Ecclesiastes 1:4 means it’s earth in the longer frame of time that remains forever.

Paul says all sin so all will die,(read 1 Cor 15:22) which may at first seem disappointing to some readers trusting the idea that humans can live forever in paradise earth. We examine and re-examine the scriptures closely so can see that we must be telling the "Good News" which is not life forever in paradise but something even better!

The real Good News is that because of what Christ did, we have the hope of resurrection (Jn 3:16), whether on earth or to heaven, however God may decide. A serpent promised the first humans they could disobey God yet not die. That was false, but happily because Christ died for us, we can now hope for resurrection to serve with Christ in heaven helping to heal the nations.

Wake up, friends! Pollution seriously harms both ourselves and others. Every day more creatures go extinct, possibly some being sources of cures for the worst of diseases. Christ says pray God’s kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10) Since this means for us not to have an earth that is an oily, soot-filled mess but sparkly and beautiful, let us instead be working toward peace upon an earth that is lovely as the starry heavens.

BE KIND TO ANIMALS: God says by deeds and words to be kind to animals. Although some creatures such as fish can serve as food, as when Christ himself caught, ate and shared fish, our fellow creatures upon Earth do not merit wanton cruelty. In fact we need to put loving thought into how we treat them.

For example in ancient times God said to not yoke a mule with an ox for they would be unevenly matched so as to cause injury. Also, God’s Son, Jesus Christ, taught kindness toward all although helping the disciples to fish.

Deuteronomy 25:4 and 22:6 discuss the stewardship of domestic animals and wildlife. Job 38:25-28 and Psalm 104:27-30 speak of God's care for the creation. Christ said God even cares for tiny sparrows (Mat 6:26, 10:29).

Can all of us not try harder to show kindness to other creatures including too the flowers of the fields, the herbs, grasses, plants with fruits that God also gave us as gifts?

How we treat other creatures is a definite reflection on how we treat other humans, and God’s will is that we show love to one another. (Luke 6:31) God often repays those who are humane with many wonderful discoveries such cures for painful and deadly diseases. The existence and care for other creatures on Earth is tied up with our very own existence and well-being.