Message: The Divine Landlord - Embracing Our Role as Tenants in God's Creation (07/01/'24)

Message: The Divine Landlord - Embracing Our Role as Tenants in God's Creation Good morning, beloved community. Today, I want to speak to you about a profound truth that we often overlook in our daily lives—the reality that we are mere tenants in God's vast and wondrous creation. This truth is poignantly captured in Leviticus 25:23, where God declares, "The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers." These words remind us that everything we see around us—the earth, the sky, the mountains, and the seas—belongs to God. We are granted the privilege to live here, to nurture and steward this land, but we must never forget that it is not ours to claim. We are but pilgrims and stewards, entrusted with the care of something infinitely precious. Jesus illuminated this truth further through His parables of the tenants, found in Matthew 21:33-46, Mark 12:1-12, and Luke 20:9-19. In these parables, He tells of a vineyard owner who entrusted his land to tenants. These tenants, in their greed and pride, sought to take ownership, rejecting the servants sent by the owner and even killing his son. Jesus' warning is clear: the true owner of the vineyard will return to judge those who have forgotten their place. In our modern world, we are often tempted to see ourselves as the landlords of our lives and possessions. We build our empires, seeking control and dominion. But in doing so, we edge God out of our lives, forgetting that we are stewards, not sovereigns. This hubris leads us astray, severing the sacred connection to the divine Source. When we acknowledge God as the Landlord, we embrace a life of purpose and grace. We find joy and peace not in ownership, but in faithful stewardship and humble service. We live with reverence and holy fear, recognizing that our time here is temporary and that we are called to care for God's creation with love and respect. Let us remember the divine command that echoes through time: "The land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers." Let this truth guide our actions and our hearts. Let us live not as lords of the land, but as grateful tenants, ever mindful of the true Landlord who watches over us with love and grace. In embracing this role, we align our hearts with God's will, finding the key to true joy and peace. May we live as faithful stewards, honoring the One who grants us the privilege to dwell in His creation. Amen. Pastor Steven G. Lee (July 1, 2024)