The Earth is OURS?

The heavens belong to the LORD, but he has given the earth to all humanity. [Psalm 115.16]

So, just what does this verse mean?

Well, first off it means that God originally owned everything. That in itself is something to spend some time meditating on. As Creator of everything, God owns it all.

But then, the fact that God gave the earth to all humanity is interesting. If God actually did this (and I believe He did), then there is no uncertain responsibility upon humanity for what takes place on the earth. We are responsible for what goes on on earth.

If the earth belongs to humanity, then it is ours to control, right? How are we doing with that? We are so busy fighting and jockeying for position across the world that we are likely only using the earth instead of taking care of it. Ouch.

I think probably that humanity will show just how depraved it is when we realize that in all our power struggles (including religious preferences) that we ignored the earth and it falls apart on us.

For example, who makes the decisions about the earth? The USA? China? The Middle East? See, it really is a difficult position to be in. And, it is not likely the earth itself will get the attention perhaps it needs unless the peoples of the earth are in unison with each other. That is just not going to happen.

So, with this all in mind, humanity will most likely destroy the earth as we know it. The end of the world as we know it could very likely be at the hands of humans.

Hmm. Much to think about.

Father, the earth, more than any other thing, probably reveals the depravity of mankind the most. Help us to consider what this means...