We’ve been hearing a lot recently about growing environmental concerns. In the wake of greater movement to alleviate climate change the “Green New Deal” has been a topic for Republicans and Democrats to battle over. We hear anything from, “The planet will be past the point of no return in twelve years” to “Humans don’t affect the climate all that much in the grand scope.” I’m not interested in throwing my opinions into the mix, but I wanted to share a fascinating discovery that ties in to the state of our planet.
In Genesis we see the tragic story of paradise lost to humans and how creation was dragged down into a fallen state (Gen. 3:17). As sin crept into the hearts of humans, it seems to have done something to nature as some sort of corrupting force. At least, we can be sure that the ground was cursed by the pronouncement of God. Sin, not only brought about the very real physical effect of death and decay, but banished humans from paradise. No doubt about it, humans affected creation in a major way.
In Psalms 8:6, we see that humans are the leaders of creation: “You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, (ESV)”
What affects the rulers, we can safely assume will affect the domain.
Paul continues to make the link between humans and the rest of creation by personifying the creation as a mother in early stages of labor, eager for the pains to end (Romans 8:18-25). What will bring about the end of creation’s “groaning?” The final release of sin that causes corruption and death!
The earth will be new, released from its bondage to corruption once the full sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit has done its job. Jesus will be King over the earth and humans will be glorified and sinless, now perfected stewards of God’s creation.
It does not dismiss our responsibility to be wise rulers over the earth today, however, it is a relief to know this and ponder on it often.