11-19-2017

Good Morning All,

                Genesis 2:15 “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”

    The confirmation kids are always fascinated with how much of our doctrine for the Church comes from the first three or four chapters of Genesis.  They have begun to add to the long-held view that, when faced with a question you do not know, guess either Moses or Jesus.  They are now guessing “the story of creation” as a third option.  I let them guess this because creation matters because how things are supposed to be are revealed to us in the story of creation.

    One of the things that is revealed to us is purpose.  What is the purpose of being human?  Here we read that it is to care for creation. (work and keep the garden).  It is always interesting to listen to a Christian who farms for a living.  They usually have a very firm belief in the stewardship that they have been entrusted with.  “I try to leave the land in better shape than I found it.”  That comment pretty well summarizes most Christians who tend the land.  They see the land as a special gift to them from God and they protect and defend it as best they can.

    We should view our relationships with the same thought.  We, as humans, were created to care for creation.  We were created in the image of God, given the ability to think in a rational fashion and to have compassion, a desire to care for creation.  We need to remember that we, as humans, are part of creation.  We should take care of each other.  We should be concerned about the needs of our fellow humans.  We need to have compassion on those who are hurting, or fearful, or lost or are suffering.  We should look at the relationship that we have with another person and think “I will leave this relationship in better shape than it started.”  The person who is hurting should be comforted and left feeling better at the end of the day than at the start of the day.  The one who is afraid should be encouraged and uplifted.  Those who are lost should be given direction.

     Many times, I hear people talk about not knowing what to do with their life, what is the purpose of life?  The purpose of life for a Christian is to care for creation, all of creation.  We should care for the land, the plants, the animals, and especially the humans.  We should strive to leave it better than we found it.  When you find those who are hurting, pick them up and give them the hope that is the Gospel of Jesus.  So, follow your purpose, care for one another.

Father of all mercies, in you we have hope, in you we have our meaning.  Guide us to serve you by fulfilling our purpose.  Move us by your Spirit to care for the creation.  Keep the sinful desires of exploitation from us and lead us to love one another.  Be with those who are hurting and suffering.  Send us to be your hands and voice that we may be your instrument to uplift, restore and comfort.  In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret