Page 11 - Week of Emphasis Devotional

Daily text: Genesis 1:11-12

The creation account in the book of Genesis paints a picture of incomparable bounty and
blessing. We are introduced to our cosmic creator, sovereign king, and universal high priest,
who brings order out of chaos. Day three brings with it the creation of dry land and God’s
command for that dry land to spring forth with seed-bearing plants and fruit trees.

As the earth came forth by the words of its Maker, it was exceedingly beautiful. “For he
spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” (Psalm. 33:9). The sharp, ragged
edges of earth’s rocky framework were buried beneath the fruitful soil, which produced a
luxuriant growth of vegetation everywhere. Graceful shrubs and delicate flowers greeted the
eye at every turn, and the earth teemed with animal life and vegetation.
1
Today, deforestation, decreasing biodiversity, soil erosion, and extreme climate changes have
tipped the balance from abundance to scarcity in many parts of the world. Departure from
God’s original design now affects food availability in many countries and contributes to food
insecurity.

ADRA Canada provides technical support, training, and resources like drought-resistant seeds
and small animal husbandry through its agriculture and livelihood projects. By working with
partners in Kenya, Nepal, Mongolia, Indonesia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of
Congo, and South America, we are helping manifest God’s gift of abundant harvests.

Questions for reflection/discussion:

1. All things were created by God for His glory and for our enjoyment. He also asked our
first parents to be good stewards of the land. But sin and human activity have caused
destruction. Where can we start to turn the tide and make a difference?

2. How can we give a more accurate, biblically-informed message of being true
environmental stewards as we care for God’s creation here and now?

3. David declares that the “earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness.” (Ps. 24:1, NKJV) How
can we emphasize that we must give an account to God of how we treat all of His
creation? Do we recognize His Sovereignty in our lives and in this world? Can we give a
more accurate view of creation, climate change, and the environment that is biblically-
informed?

Quote: “There is not one piece of cosmic dust that is outside of the scope of God’s Sovereign
providence.” -RC Sproul

Appeal: Will you thank God for His creation that includes humanity and think how we may
demonstrate our gratitude and care for creation in tangible ways? How can we be more
effective stewards of the resources He entrusted us with on earth?

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Creator and Sovereign God over all life.
May we seek to point all to You, the One who created all things. As we do, may we come into
a deeper and more personal understanding of who You are. Help us to take seriously our
responsibility to care for creation and the resources You have given us, so that You may be
glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1 Patriarchs and Prophets, Chapter 2: The Creation, p. 44
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