PEACE WITH EARTH

The above piece of Scripture comes from Psalm 65, and is part of a cluster (8, 19, 29, 104, and 139) known as the Creation Psalms. These songs, offered to God, celebrate the beauty and majesty of the created world. They remind us of God’s splendor and handiwork, but also of our responsibility to be stewards of this precious gift. Our region of Florida is teeming with evidence, surrounded by world-renowned beaches, pristine water, an abundance of living creatures, and a tantalizing balance between blazing sun and lightning-induced fireworks in the sky. A person of faith does not have to look very long to witness God’s paintbrush among us.

Our move to Tampa Bay in 2017 was full of surprises, but perhaps none greater than the horde of lizards that seemed to take over the landscape. While at times a nuisance, our son has taken a particular liking to them. He has developed skills around catching them with his bare hands, careful not to invoke harm. This fascination led to an ample terrarium, complete with a water basin and nature backdrop. Over time, the splendor of these lizards came into focus. Also, the real need to properly care for them became apparent.

According to origin stories as told in the Book of Genesis, human was created by God, then placed into a luscious garden called Eden. Human was given a companion to relate with, fruit to be nourished by (tree of life), and the opportunity for obedience (to not eat from any other tree). Human was then given one primary task – to till the soil. In an age without refrigerators, stoves, and Uber Eats, this command seems appropriate. Human needs to eat, after all. But I would subscribe that tilling the soil is still the primary task for all humans to undertake. No matter the “field,” human is called to cultivate and nourish that landscape, furthering God’s creative work in the world. Unfortunately, the opposite also holds true: If the soil is not tilled, or even worse, neglected or only used for utility, the landscape will suffer.

Every year since 1981, the United Nations has observed an International Day of Peace (September 21). The overall movement is dedicated to world peace, specifically the absence of war and violence, but each year has a focused theme to help pave a way forward. The 2019 theme is Climate Action for Peace. The U.N. notes that climate change threatens international peace and security, with “natural disasters displacing three times as many people as conflicts, forcing millions to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere.” They go on to say, “the salinization of water and crops is endangering food security, and the impact on public health is escalating.”

These claims are disheartening. Perhaps even more so, if you believe in a world that was created by God; one in which we are called to till the soil.

As you imagine what peace looks like this week, be challenged to think beyond our human interactions; to our luscious garden and the marvelous responsibility we have been given.