Showing Concern for the Earth

Showing Concern for the Earth

 SCRIPTURE READING — HOSEA 4:1-3

“Because of this the land dries up, and all who live in it waste away; the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea are swept away.”

—  Hosea 4:3

Through Hosea, the Lord is bringing serious charges in our reading for today. Dangerous conditions brought about by people who care nothing for God and his creation have led to a loss of “the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea.”

Sadly, there are chilling parallels in our pollution and degradation of the earth today. Reckless human action has negatively affected many plants and animals, birds and fish, and the environments they need to live in. Many kinds of pollution have harmed people as well. Wars, chemical spills, nuclear fallout, industrial contamination, and more have left devastating effects on the earth and its creatures, including us.

While some areas are seeing remarkable restoration and many efforts today are being made to show good stewardship, there are still indications that creation is suffering immensely. Animals, birds, and fish are often pushed aside and destroyed as their habitats are altered according to human preference.

While cause and effect in the environment is complex and not always easy to explain, we can still strive to do what we can to preserve and restore God’s good creation.

Lord our God, help us to be aware of the consequences of our decisions, and give us the courage to protect and maintain the earth you have entrusted to our care. Amen.

God’s Spirit Descending Like a Dove

 SCRIPTURE READING — MATTHEW 3:13-17

At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.

—  Matthew 3:16

The fact that the Spirit rested on Jesus “like a dove” at the moment of his baptism is not insignificant. To understand why, we can start by asking where else in the Bible we have come across doves, and what connections we can make between these stories.

Remember how Noah sent out a dove from the ark? It first came back with nothing, and then, after going out a second time, it returned with an olive leaf in its beak (Genesis 8:11). The fresh green leaf in the dove’s mouth signified the beginning of a new era, a hopeful turning of events, the renewed presence of peace and shalom, and the imminent promise that no such dramatic devastation would have to happen again.

The reference to a dove at Jesus’ baptism is a sign that another new era has begun in Jesus Christ. In Jesus, there is finally a hopeful turning of events: the arrival of a peaceful reign and the promise that Jesus’ coming will be pivotal in history. In this event we see a sign that God is recreating the world in Christ, setting things right, and rebuilding so that his purposes can finally be realized.

Lord Jesus, in your baptism we see the sign of God’s new promise and the unfolding of your great plan to restore the whole world to yourself. We marvel at the beauty of how everything holds together in you, and that the Scriptures point faithfully to your perfect plan. In your name we pray. Amen.

“Look at the Birds”

 SCRIPTURE READING — MATTHEW 6:25-34

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”

—  Matthew 6:26

When Jesus said, “Look at the birds . . .” his listeners could probably watch these creatures as they flew among the plants and trees on the mountainside. If you can, take some time today to look at birds—even if just for a few minutes. Consider that much of what was written in the Bible took place outdoors, under the bright skies where we can see and make connections to the creation God has made.

A problem with so many of us today is that we are often disconnected from what God has made; we read the Bible indoors with our heads down, and we try to distill the truth into statements that are general and abstract. Bit by bit, we can grow out of touch and unsure about what it all means.

Our family’s children’s Bible illustrates this story with a couple of birds casually pushing a grocery cart loaded with food. Even though some birds such as nuthatches, chickadees, and woodpeckers actually keep food in little caches, the sight of these birds gathering pantry items in a cart is comical. But Jesus’ point is that birds simply do what the moment requires them to do; they don’t agonize about their lives. They simply depend on God’s care—always.

Jesus points out that just as God cares for birds, he cares much more for each one of us. And, truly, we can’t add a single moment to our lives by worrying. Best of all, God has given us everything we need in order to have eternal life!

Lord, thank you for your faithful love and care for us. In Jesus, Amen.

Don’t Be Afraid

 SCRIPTURE READING — LUKE 12:22-34

“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.”

—  Luke 12:24

Today’s reading from Luke is similar to yesterday’s reading from Matthew. Jesus probably taught this lesson often, perhaps even pointing to birds that were nearby at the time.

Jesus urges his listeners to recognize what is most important in life. Is it food? Clothing? Having lots of money and possessions? In many parts of the world, the expectation that people will enjoy a life of security, privacy, and comfort is almost assumed. Yet, after times of disaster, when possessions are destroyed, we’ll often hear, “Those were just things that can be replaced if we really need them—we’re just glad to be alive.”

Jesus knows that a life attached to material things can lead to anxiety. Things are temporary, and we can’t always control when or how our possessions will be taken from us. So it’s better to attach ourselves to each other and to God. Jesus encourages us to live in such a way that people and their needs have priority over possessions and ownership. So let’s not be controlled by worries about possessions or food or money.

Jesus concludes by saying, “Do not be afraid, little flock.” He knows that we’re vulnerable, and he knows what we need. In fact, he promises that God, our Father, will give us the kingdom—much more than we need.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your tender care for us, and for guiding us in the way of wisdom. Help us to care more about each other than about our things. Amen.