What does "destroy those who destroy the earth" teach about environmental stewardship? The Verse in Context “The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come, and the time has come to judge the dead and to reward Your servants the prophets, the saints, and those who fear Your name, both small and great—and to destroy those who destroy the earth.” • This climactic scene shows God arriving to judge every rebellion. • Included in His verdict is a specific charge: “destroying the earth.” • The phrase signals that harming God’s creation is not morally neutral; it carries covenant-level consequences. Dominion and Stewardship from the Beginning • Genesis 1:28—humanity is told to “rule over” the earth, but rulership is defined by God’s character, not self-interest. • Genesis 2:15—“cultivate and keep” means work that sustains and protects. • Psalm 24:1—ownership remains with the Lord; we manage what is His. • Psalm 115:16—earth is “given” to mankind, underscoring delegated authority. What “Destroy Those Who Destroy the Earth” Means 1. God notices environmental abuse. 2. He ties such abuse to spiritual rebellion (compare with idolatrous nations earlier in Revelation). 3. The Creator reserves the right to revoke stewardship from those who misuse it. 4. Judgment is proportional: those who bring ruin will face ruin (Galatians 6:7). Scriptural Patterns: Judgment for Environmental Sin • Hosea 4:1-3—social sin leads to “beasts… birds… and fish” perishing. • Jeremiah 9:10-11—land lies waste because the people forsook God. • Romans 8:19-22—creation itself “groans,” longing for redemption from human-caused futility. These passages echo Revelation 11:18: mistreating the earth invites divine response. Living This Truth Today Because God will “destroy those who destroy the earth,” wise servants will: • Recognize—daily remind ourselves the planet is God’s property. • Respect—avoid waste, pollution, and practices that needlessly harm ecosystems. • Reduce—consume resources with restraint rather than greed (Proverbs 30:8-9). • Restore—support efforts that heal damaged land and water (Isaiah 58:12). • Reflect—let creation care be an act of worship, pointing others to the Creator (Psalm 19:1). Looking Ahead to Restoration • 2 Peter 3:13—“a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” • Isaiah 11:9—the future kingdom is free from harm and destruction. The coming renewal motivates present stewardship; we live now as citizens of that righteous, healed world. In sum, Revelation 11:18 warns that God’s final judgment includes accountability for ecological destruction. Faithful believers therefore practice thoughtful, proactive care for the earth, honoring the Owner until He makes all things new. |
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