What role does stewardship play in caring for God's creation as seen here? Creation’s Call in Genesis 1:11 “Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth vegetation, seed-bearing plants and trees bearing fruit with seed according to their kinds.’ And it was so.” (Genesis 1:11) Stewardship Embedded in the Seed • Seeds carry future harvests; God designed a built-in, self-perpetuating system that requires human care to thrive. • Every “according to its kind” points to order and purpose—humans cultivate, but never redefine, that order. • The verse forms the first link in a chain of provision that culminates in our daily bread (Psalm 104:14). Dominion and Duty • Genesis 1:28 joins Genesis 1:11: “rule over” creation means responsible oversight, not exploitation. • Genesis 2:15: “The LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it.” – Cultivate: develop, enhance, steward potential. – Keep: guard, protect, maintain health. • Psalm 24:1 anchors stewardship: “The earth is the LORD’s….” Ownership remains His; management is ours. Stewardship Principles Across Scripture • Accountability—Matthew 25:14-30 (talents): faithful managers give an account for entrusted resources. • Provision—Deuteronomy 22:6-7: even taking eggs from a nest must leave the mother bird; care ensures ongoing life. • Sabbath Rest—Exodus 23:10-11: land lies fallow in the seventh year so the poor and animals may eat. • Wisdom—Proverbs 12:10: “A righteous man regards the life of his animal….” Practical Expressions Today • Protect seed sources: preserve biodiversity; avoid practices that destroy heirloom varieties. • Promote fruitful soil: responsible farming, composting, crop rotation. • Respect created kinds: avoid tinkering that confuses boundaries God set. • Share harvests: gleaning laws (Leviticus 19:9-10) inspire food banks and community gardens. • Rest the land: sustainable rhythms reflect the Creator’s Sabbath design. Cultivating a Steward’s Heart • View every meal as evidence of Genesis 1:11 fulfilled. • Thank God for His ongoing provision and ask for wisdom to manage it well. • Serve future generations by leaving healthier soil, cleaner water, and thriving habitats. • Remember the coming audit: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) |
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