In what ways can we respond to environmental crises with biblical stewardship principles? Jeremiah’s Snapshot of Drought “ ‘The wild donkeys stand on the barren heights; they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of pasture.’ ” (Jeremiah 14:6) • Jeremiah records a literal, God-sent drought on Judah. • Even the hardy desert donkeys are exhausted—emphasizing how thoroughly the land and its creatures suffer when sin disrupts the Creator’s order. • The verse reminds us that environmental crises are never random; they lie under God’s sovereign hand and are meant to drive people back to Him. Seeing God’s Heart for the Earth • Genesis 1:28 — Humanity receives “dominion,” a commission to govern creation on God’s behalf, not exploit it for selfish ends. • Genesis 2:15 — Adam is placed “to work it and keep it,” pairing productivity with protection. • Psalm 24:1 — “The earth is the LORD’s,” anchoring stewardship in ownership: what belongs to Him must be managed His way. • Colossians 1:17 — Christ “holds all things together,” underscoring that caring for creation aligns us with His sustaining work. Why Environmental Crises Happen • Consequences of collective sin (Jeremiah 14:10-12). • Natural boundaries ignored (Leviticus 26:18-20). • Groaning creation awaiting redemption (Romans 8:22). Understanding these causes keeps us from fatalism: God uses crises to call His people to repent and restore faithful stewardship. Biblical Stewardship Responses • Repentance first – Confess ways we have prioritized convenience or profit over obedience (Jeremiah 14:7-9). • Responsible use – Reduce waste: “Gather the fragments that remain, so that nothing will be lost” (John 6:12). – Live within God-given limits: fallow rhythms, Sabbath rest for land (Exodus 23:10-11). • Restoration projects – Planting trees, conserving water, restoring habitats echo God’s mandate to “serve” the garden (Genesis 2:15). • Advocacy flavored with humility – Speak for the voiceless creatures (Proverbs 12:10) without slipping into creation-worship (Romans 1:25). • Community generosity – Share resources during droughts, mirroring Joseph’s grain management (Genesis 41:48-57). • Prayer-supported action – Elijah’s prayer reopened the heavens after repentance (1 Kings 18:41-45). Guarding Against Two Extremes • Neglect—treating the planet as disposable. • Idolatry—valuing creation above the Creator. Scripture calls us to the middle path of grateful, obedient care. Hope That Fuels Perseverance • God promises renewal: “I will make rivers flow on barren heights” (Isaiah 41:18). • The new earth awaits (Revelation 21:1), showing that present stewardship previews eternal restoration. • Until then, “steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Putting It All Together Jeremiah 14:6 portrays creation’s anguish under judgment, urging us to: 1. Acknowledge God’s ownership. 2. Repent where we have misused His world. 3. Act lovingly and wisely to conserve, restore, and provide. 4. Hold fast to the sure hope of complete renewal when Christ returns. |
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