A Different Perspective on the 2019 General Assembly Theme “Abide with Me”

Jesus calls us to dwell in him, to live in him, to inhabit him, to let him be our home or abode. Psalm 104 suggests that the world is God’s “lofty house” (v. 3 CEB). Throughout scripture, we read that all of creation belongs to God from Genesis 1 where God’s spirit went out over the waters to begin creation, in Job, the prophets and reflected in many of the Psalms. We are reminded of God’s creativity and deep connection with all creatures, ecosystems, and humans.  Psalm 24 says, “The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants too.” This invites us to protect the earth as home, not only for people including future generations, not only for all plants and animals, rocks and mountains but for God.

The word “ecology” is formed from the Greek words for “house” (oikos) and “word, purpose” (logos). Creation is the home of God and for God’s people, ecology calls us to our purpose in this joint household. Our purpose for living, according to the Psalms, is to praise God – not alone, not as a solo, but to join our whole being in praise, with the sun and moon, with sea monsters, trees, creatures that creep along, and birds that fly.

We praise God by being who God created us to be, to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God, to love one another, care for the least of these among us, and to protect and care our common home. Revelation 21.3 exclaims, “Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind.” Let us praise God by abiding in Christ and caring for God’s good earth.

Carol Devine
CCK Staff
Minister of Providence Christian Church, Nicholasville

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