Mourning Land (June 28)

Because of this the land mourns,
   and all who live in it waste away;
the beasts of the field and the birds of the air
and the fish of the sea are dying.
                          Hosea 4:3 NIV

We learn from reading the preceeding verses that the 'because of this' in Hosea 4:3 is no faithfulness, love, acknowledgement of God in the land.  When man walks apart from God, God leaves man up to, or turns man over to man's depraved mind to do what ought not be done.  As a result the whole land mourns, groans; people waste away and beasts, birds and fish die.

With fear of God and creation, there is awesome respect for God, and stewardship of His creation is wisely maintained by following God's instructions, law and guidance.  With such stewardship, beasts, birds and fish can thrive and flourish. Without such stewardship, fields, rivers and air becomes soiled and in many cases, unkind to life.

Webster tells us that a steward is a person who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others.  We, during our lives, are tasked to be stewards of God's creation.

Without God's direction, with man on his own path following worthless idols and false gods, we read that only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultry; they break all bounds and bloodshed follows bloodshed.

Again, we are sinful, we must acknowledge this, repent, and wash ourselves in the death and resurrection of Christ.  We know that God is faithful and just and desires our obedience.  We have read that after we have sinned, when we turn to God in faith, He will listen and guide and direct our paths.

When we love God, we then can love our fellow man.  Jesus tells us that the most important commandments are to love God and love man.  So much flows from those two commandments.

What do you do and how can others see God's love in action through you?

How do your actions show good stewardship?

Pray for wisdom to be a good steward.

In Christ,

David P