Understanding God's Will: The Unity of Sharing and Stewardship (04/05/'24) -Viewpoint

Understanding God's Will: The Unity of Sharing and Stewardship In Leviticus 25:23-24, the scripture reminds us that the land is ultimately owned by God, emphasizing that humans are merely temporary stewards: "The land shall not be sold forever: for the land is mine, for ye are strangers and sojourners with me. And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a redemption for the land." This principle extends to the skies and the earth, which are not the property of humans, but rather, humans belong to them. All things in nature are interconnected, and this interconnection denies us the right to own or sell these elements. Instead, our role is to responsibly utilize and care for them. Jesus furthers this notion of stewardship and communal belonging in the Gospels (Mark 3:33-35, Matthew 12:48-50, Luke 8:20-21, John 15:14), where he asks, "Who are my mother and brothers?" He answers that those who do the will of God are his family. This underscores a broader, spiritual kinship that transcends biological ties, uniting all in the pursuit of living according to God’s will. Together, these teachings encourage a shared responsibility and a collective guardianship over the earth. They challenge us to live in harmony, recognizing that our true ownership is not of the physical land, but of the relationships and duties we uphold in service to God and to one another. Pastor Steven G. Lee (April 27, 2024)