For many reasons I simply cannot forget that April 22nd here in the USA has been designated “Earth Day.”  I’ll give you a hint, if I forget this day I’m in the doghouse for a LONG time @ home!  But, the reasons why I remember the date aside, the fact is that I remember, and celebrate, this day because it is important.

While it is quite understandable that not everyone will agree with policies, or even the research around protecting the planet and preserving the natural resources it has to offer, most of us can agree on the importance of care for this planet we call home.  Two scriptures come to mind to highlight this importance.  The first is Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it.” (NIV)  From this perspective, we are called to be stewards of the Earth.  We have been given it to inhabit for a time, but eventually we leave it to our children, grandchildren, etc.  (This makes me think of the passage of scripture that says that the sins of the parents will be visited on their children.  What we do to preserve or pollute the planet today might not have its full impact for many years to come.)

The second scripture that reminds us of the importance of caring for this planet is found in Revelation.  It says that rather than being whisked away to some heaven in the stars with streets made of gold and gates of pearls, heaven will come to inhabit the earth and restore it to it’s original, Garden of Eden-like state.  Sound strange?  I hope not.  It’s right there in Revelation 21:2, “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”

Ok, you took out your bible and read a little more to get the context for that quote.  Good for you.  Now you know that I stretched the imagery to make my theology fit.  The next verses do describe a bejeweled and glittering city that doesn’t look much like the Garden of Eden I have in my imagination.  But, what it does indicate is that there is no need for a temple in this New Jerusalem because God is in the city and is the temple.  This tells us that the relational, walking with God, aspects of Eden are restored, which is what I was really talking about before.  But, I want to be clear so no one goes around saying I don’t believe the Bible, etc…

Going completely green is not something that I am able or willing to do today.  After all, I like my riding mower and the ability to tow things with my SUV (which doesn’t get much use except for hauling people and things.)  However, if you’ve never thought of it before, today is the day to think of one or two ways you can lessen your impact on our planet.  Maybe I can ride a bike to work this summer.  Maybe I can use efficient lighting at home (CFL and LED.) Maybe I can use a little less water when I shave…  We probably can’t or aren’t ready to transform our society to becoming better stewards of the planet, today.  But, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t start.

Have a happy Earth Day everyone.  Let’s celebrate this wonderful planet we call home.  And, above all, lets celebrate God’s gift of this home to us, and to all who inhabit this improbable place of unfathomable grace.