A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver – Proverbs 25v11
In our previous devotions in the Book of Psalms, we have seen some of the blessings that God bestows on us. Today in Psalm 8 verse 3 the focus is on how blessed mankind is to enjoy the creation: “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Incidentally this verse is repeated in the Book of Hebrews chapter 2v6). But with privilege comes responsibility and the Psalmist continues in verse 6: “You made them rulers over the works of your hand, you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.” All of us to a greater or lesser extent have been poor managers and custodians of this amazing world we in which we live. Every day more species are made extinct and others brought to the brink, there is pollution in the earth and seas, destruction of habitat and plundering of resources – why can’t we fulfil our God given mandate responsibly? There are many reasons, but probably GREED is the underlying one and as a result the creation is bearing the brunt of our onslaught. For instance, last year the world spent 2,24 trillion dollars on military which is approximately R6000 for every man, woman and child in the world – what resources have been consumed to satisfy such expenditure? So why does God continue to allow us to mismanage His beautiful creation? The simple answer is that He is patiently enduring our abuse of His beautiful creation so that everyone has the opportunity to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. ”The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3v9). However, there is a time coming when God will say enough is enough and will take back full control: “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” (Isaiah 65v17). It will be beyond our wildest dreams as we read in 1 Corinthians 2v9: “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” This is why the Psalm ends with: “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Amen
Graeme Greenwood