Genesis 2:5 …and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth and no plant of the field had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no man to work the ground,…

What came first? Rain from the sky or water from the ground?

I must admit I hadn’t really thought about this, but today’s passage has really intrigued me. When the Earth was created, how did water form on this planet? Did it occur through condensation – the hot Earth cooled and hydrogen with oxygen combined in the process, or was it through evaporation – icy comets hitting the hot planet repeatedly causing showers of rain in the atmosphere? I’m not a scientist, environmentalist, or even a geologist, so I have no clue whatsoever about the processes involved. I guess it must have taken a considerably long time for water to appear on the Earth, but I’m also confident that this was a significant part of God’s creative plan and amazing patience. After all, how many planets in our Solar System currently have the gift of water on their surface?

Whatever the circumstances, this I do know: water is a precious commodity and one which significantly impacts the health of all of us on this wee planet. Much of the ill health, disease, and poverty in the world today can be attributed to the lack of clean water in many areas around the globe. The sad thing is this: we have the scientific, economic, and technological ability to clean the world’s entire water supply but due to our greed, sin, and inhumanity, we often lack the will to do anything about it. If we truly want to bequeath anything worthwhile to our descendants that will make their lives better, then clean water should be this planet’s first priority.

This coming Sunday is Earth Day. As Christians, we will be praising and praying to our Creator. Perhaps we should all ask Him what we can do to make the world a better place and to give our brothers and sisters across the globe access to clean drinking water.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You are the Living Water of faith, hope, and love in our lives. Across many nations, billions of people do not have easy access to healthy water. Open our hearts and minds to the challenge of providing clean water for everyone in the world within a generation. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, then please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest drawing for Earth Day. If you would like to see a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/6942425398_1632459efd_b.jpg

Church Meeting Devotions: Earth Day

Isaiah 54:5 For your Maker is your husband--the LORD Almighty is his name--the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the Earth.

Today is Earth Day and all around the world various people are celebrating this new tradition by bringing attention to the plight of the planet. Some protest and environmental groups will be petitioning their governments to reduce carbon emissions and end global warming. Others will be celebrating the diversity of customs and costumes around the world.

I like the idea of Earth Day and I think that Isaiah gets it right when he reminded his people long ago that the Lord is the God of all the Earth. This means that we are just tenants and not owners of the globe. Kingdoms and governments may think they possess their own parts of the world, but God is the Sovereign of the whole planet. Everything belongs to Him.

I’ve started to boldly capitalize the letter ‘E’ in the word Earth. That reminds me that this planet is a precious jewel in God’s eyes and that we as human stewards should do our utmost to look after it. Respecting the environment, recycling our waste, and reflecting upon the wonders of this Earth is a good place to start. Life on Earth may be the most precious gift in the entire universe. It’s time that we chose to really respect that amazing gift of grace which our God has created.

Prayer: God who made the Earth, the air, the sky, the sea; Who gave the world its birth, please care for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.