ENVIRONMENT
Dr. John K. Mathew
Psalm 29 ascribes to the Lord all power and authority over nature.
The Canaanites worshiped natural forces such as wind and fire as their gods. But Israel worshiped The God of creation, not the creation itself. Thunderstorms, lightning, and floods were but means by which the Lord might express Himself,
but they were not themselves divine. Therefore, some believe that environmentalism is not supported by Scripture.
The ancient world knew nothing of terms like "global warming" or "going green". However, the Bible does contain many ideas that can support the environmental awareness of today.
What does the Bible speak on environmental protection. The book titled, "The Ultimate A to Z Resource" suggests the following insights. First of all, God created the earth, and everything about creation reflects His handiwork and glory.
Psalm 104 begins and ends with a blessing. 'Bless the Lord all my soul' (Ps.104:1,35). This is easy to say; but how might we actively bless the Lord, given that His blessings to us are so practical. One way would be to take care of the earth that the Lord has made.
Secondly, God gave human beings dominion or authority, over the earth and its creatures, a responsibility that in a sense makes people co-workers with God.
One of the first tasks given to the first human beings was to manage and develop the Garden of Eden.
Thirdly, the Scriptures clearly say that, creation is an intricate system in which the various parts affect each other.
Psalm 65 deals with God's provision to his people through nature. It reads, "You care for the land and water it, you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water, to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; You soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness.
The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing" (9-13). It reminds us of the fact that, the earth belongs to God. It is essentially on loan to humanity, and we will give an account to Him for how we have used it. More over, nature is a reminder of God's enduring mercy. It should cause us to praise and worship Him.
Finally, the Scripture says that as a result of Adam's sin, the creation was subjected to frustration and it will be liberated from its bondage and brought in to its former freedom and glory. It is true that the world currently is much concerned about global warming, acid rain, the destruction of rain forests and so many other damages happening to this world. It has to be seriously addressed. But the Bible says that in the ultimate analysis it is the responsibility of God to reinstate this universe and He will do it in due time. With not a ray of doubt the Bible asserts that at the millennium rule of Christ He will restore the earth and it will be filled with knowledge of the Lord.
Let us maintain an attitude of stewardship towards nature and eagerly wait for that
great day.
