This Sunday is Palm Sunday. It is the introduction to Holy Week and the important days we will commemorate this week such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and ultimately Easter Sunday.
I have good memories of Palm Sunday. At one of the churches I attended as a boy, we all had palm branches and re-enacted the events of the Palm Sunday story. When I was older, my church gave everyone palm crosses signifying Palm Sunday and Good Friday. I know of one church in a nearby city that has a big parade on Palm Sunday with donkeys, sheep, horses and other animals. It sounds like fun.
Palm Sunday has been something of a puzzle to me. How could the people who shouted hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord be the same people who shouted crucify him less than one week later? It's hard to understand.
So, what do the events of Palm Sunday have to teach us as 21st century Christians? What can we learn from these events in the life of our Lord?
The first thing that strikes me from Palm Sunday is that Jesus is worthy of all of our praise. When the people praised Him and spread their garments in His path as He rode into Jerusalem, Jesus accepted the praise of the people. In fact, in another Gospel's account of Palm Sunday, the Pharisees demanded that Jesus command the people to cease from their praise and adoration of Him. Jesus said that if these people were to be silenced even the very rocks would cry out in praise of Him. In other words, Jesus is worthy of praise and adoration, and all of creation, even the inanimate creation, is aware that Jesus Christ is Lord.
This reminds me of my Dad and the two rocks he used to carry in his pocket. One day my Dad went to his church and the minister was speaking about the rocks crying out. After the message, the pastor handed out rocks to everyone and asked them to carry them with them throughout the week. He said that if anyone asked them why they were carrying the rocks, the people should respond that if we don't praise Jesus, the rocks will cry out.
My Dad didn't just carry those two stones in his pocket that week. He carried those stones for years right up until the day he died. I can't tell you how many times people asked my Dad why he carried around those stones in his pocket. Every time he was asked my Dad said, "If I don't praise Jesus, even the rocks will cry out." Everyone got a big kick out of it, and it turned out to be a good witness.
How can we bring praise to Jesus? The first thing that probably comes to mind is praising Jesus through song. This is a wonderful means of praise.
I know that the trend in evangelical churches is toward contemporary worship. But, I like the old hymns. In my opinion, they have a deeper meaning than some of the more modern music. Whatever the music, the important thing is to look to Jesus and make Him the focus of our adoration.
We can also praise Jesus by doing His will and His work in the world. When we obey Jesus' commands and follow His teachings, we are praising Him because we are acknowledging that we believe that the things He taught are true. When we feed the hungry, clothe the naked and help the hurting we are praising Jesus who said, "When you have done it unto the least of these my brothers, you have done it unto me."
Another component of Palm Sunday I find interesting is the fact that Jesus rode into Jerusalem knowing what was going to happen, yet He rode into Jerusalem anyway. Jesus knew what His mission on earth was from day one. Jesus was born in order to live a holy and sinless life, show us the way to live, die on the cross to purchase our redemption, and then to rise from the grave to conquer sin, death, and hell.
Jesus left the halls of Heaven and took upon human form. He became a servant obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
How much Jesus must have loved the world He made to put Himself through all of the the suffering He went through. He knew that He would be mocked, spit upon, and despised. He knew that He would be flogged, forced to carry His own cross and then be crucified between two thieves. Jesus knew all of these things, yet He rode into Jerusalem to give His life for the salvation of the universe. It was His will to restore all things.
Jesus loved us so much He was willing to do all of this. What Jesus wants is for us love Him and accept Him. He wants us to praise Him and thank Him for all He has done.
One day, Jesus will come again. He will return on a white horse leading the Heavenly host in glorious victory. When Jesus comes again every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Come quickly Lord Jesus. Amen.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Weekend Sermon---II Peter 1:3-11
I'm feeling a little bit better again this week. I'm still having trouble breathing, but I feel like writing today. I've been thinking a lot again about Heaven and eternity. When my parents both passed away, many people told me that I'd feel better with the passing of time. This hasn't been true for me. I think I'm more sad now than I was. With being sick and missing my Mom, Dad, and Toby so much, I've been pretty down and depressed lately. I do take comfort from the fact that all of my family are in Heaven. They believed in Jesus with all of their hearts. I look forward to being reunited with my family and friends again. I know that if I were to die today I'd be with Jesus and my family. When I was a young boy, I accepted Jesus into my life as my Savior and Lord.
Sometimes though, if you're like me, you wonder whether or not you really are saved. I know that a believer shouldn't really have doubts like this, but sometimes I do. I think that all Christians do to some degree or another.
The Bible speaks about the ways that we can, "make our calling and election sure" as our passage states today. There are ways that we as believers can have assurance of our salvation.
First of all, we can look back on the decision we initially made for Christ. The Bible says in Acts 16:31 that those who believe in the Lord Jesus will be saved. Jesus also said in John 6:37 that He would never cast out anyone who comes to Him. Anyone who comes to Him by faith with sincerity of heart calling upon the name of Jesus is born again. We can take Jesus at His word. He is entirely trustworthy. If we come to Him, He receives us, and He will never let us go no matter what.
When my Mom had Alzheimer's so bad she couldn't recognize who Jesus was in our picture of Jesus hanging over the wood stove. I'd ask her if she knew who that was in the picture. If she responded at all, she would say she didn't know. That upset me, but my Dad said something that is so true. He said that my Mom might not remember who Jesus is, but Jesus knows who my Mom is. My Mom believed in Jesus when she was a girl. She faithfully taught Sunday school, children's church, and vacation Bible school for many years. She is forever safe with Jesus. Those who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. He who began a good work in us is able to complete it. When we make a decision to follow Christ it is settled. We pass from death to life. We can have assurance in remembering that day, and even if time robs us of our memory, Jesus remembers and will always take care of us.
In our passage today, Peter talks about how that the way we live our lives provides evidence of the sincerity of our faith. Peter lists several characteristics that should be part of the life of a follower of Christ. First of all, Peter says in verse 5 that faith is the starting point. We come to the Lord and accept Him by faith. Good works don't play any role in salvation. We are saved by grace through faith and not by works.
Peter goes on to mention virtue as another quality in the life of a Christian. A believer in Jesus lives a life in accordance with the commandments given in Scripture. Jesus clearly outlined for us in His teachings, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, the way His followers are to live.
To virtue Peter says we should add knowledge. A characteristic of a follower of Jesus is a strong desire to know about Jesus and His Word. The person who is truly committed to Christ studies the Word and tries to know more about Jesus through prayer.
The next quality on Peter's list is self-control. Those who are filled with the life of Christ are guided by the Holy Spirit. The self-controlled individual focuses his desires on the things of Christ and not on selfish pursuits.
Steadfastness is next on Peter's list. A steadfast person is immovable in the face of opposition. she is a person of integrity in all her dealings.
The next characteristic of a Christian is godliness. I think that another way to put this might be Christ likeness. When people see us are they seeing Jesus? There's an old song that says, "You're the only Jesus some may ever see." This is so true. We are Christ's ambassadors on earth. We are to show forth Christ in all we do and say.
Brotherly affection is mentioned next. In his epistles, John frequently mentions that love for our brothers and sisters in Christ is a characteristic of an authentic believer. John poses the question of how we can claim to love God who we have not seen and not love the brother we can see.
The final quality Peter mentions is love. This is what Christianity is all about. God loved us and sent His Son. Jesus loves us and gave His life. We are to love the Lord with all that we have, and we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. According to Jesus, this sums up the entirety of the law.
Not everyone who is a Christian will do all that Peter mentions perfectly all the time. Those who have their hearts focused on Jesus will have a sincere desire to follow all the commands laid out by Jesus.
We can have assurance of salvation. These are just a couple of the ways. If you are doubting your salvation, ask Jesus to give a sense of assurance to your heart by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I'd like to close by saying keep trusting in Jesus. I know that keeping my focus on Jesus is all that's keeping me going right now. I'm focusing on Him as I try to make it through this world and into eternity. Keep your eyes on the Lord and let Him lead. Amen.
Sometimes though, if you're like me, you wonder whether or not you really are saved. I know that a believer shouldn't really have doubts like this, but sometimes I do. I think that all Christians do to some degree or another.
The Bible speaks about the ways that we can, "make our calling and election sure" as our passage states today. There are ways that we as believers can have assurance of our salvation.
First of all, we can look back on the decision we initially made for Christ. The Bible says in Acts 16:31 that those who believe in the Lord Jesus will be saved. Jesus also said in John 6:37 that He would never cast out anyone who comes to Him. Anyone who comes to Him by faith with sincerity of heart calling upon the name of Jesus is born again. We can take Jesus at His word. He is entirely trustworthy. If we come to Him, He receives us, and He will never let us go no matter what.
When my Mom had Alzheimer's so bad she couldn't recognize who Jesus was in our picture of Jesus hanging over the wood stove. I'd ask her if she knew who that was in the picture. If she responded at all, she would say she didn't know. That upset me, but my Dad said something that is so true. He said that my Mom might not remember who Jesus is, but Jesus knows who my Mom is. My Mom believed in Jesus when she was a girl. She faithfully taught Sunday school, children's church, and vacation Bible school for many years. She is forever safe with Jesus. Those who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. He who began a good work in us is able to complete it. When we make a decision to follow Christ it is settled. We pass from death to life. We can have assurance in remembering that day, and even if time robs us of our memory, Jesus remembers and will always take care of us.
In our passage today, Peter talks about how that the way we live our lives provides evidence of the sincerity of our faith. Peter lists several characteristics that should be part of the life of a follower of Christ. First of all, Peter says in verse 5 that faith is the starting point. We come to the Lord and accept Him by faith. Good works don't play any role in salvation. We are saved by grace through faith and not by works.
Peter goes on to mention virtue as another quality in the life of a Christian. A believer in Jesus lives a life in accordance with the commandments given in Scripture. Jesus clearly outlined for us in His teachings, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, the way His followers are to live.
To virtue Peter says we should add knowledge. A characteristic of a follower of Jesus is a strong desire to know about Jesus and His Word. The person who is truly committed to Christ studies the Word and tries to know more about Jesus through prayer.
The next quality on Peter's list is self-control. Those who are filled with the life of Christ are guided by the Holy Spirit. The self-controlled individual focuses his desires on the things of Christ and not on selfish pursuits.
Steadfastness is next on Peter's list. A steadfast person is immovable in the face of opposition. she is a person of integrity in all her dealings.
The next characteristic of a Christian is godliness. I think that another way to put this might be Christ likeness. When people see us are they seeing Jesus? There's an old song that says, "You're the only Jesus some may ever see." This is so true. We are Christ's ambassadors on earth. We are to show forth Christ in all we do and say.
Brotherly affection is mentioned next. In his epistles, John frequently mentions that love for our brothers and sisters in Christ is a characteristic of an authentic believer. John poses the question of how we can claim to love God who we have not seen and not love the brother we can see.
The final quality Peter mentions is love. This is what Christianity is all about. God loved us and sent His Son. Jesus loves us and gave His life. We are to love the Lord with all that we have, and we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. According to Jesus, this sums up the entirety of the law.
Not everyone who is a Christian will do all that Peter mentions perfectly all the time. Those who have their hearts focused on Jesus will have a sincere desire to follow all the commands laid out by Jesus.
We can have assurance of salvation. These are just a couple of the ways. If you are doubting your salvation, ask Jesus to give a sense of assurance to your heart by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I'd like to close by saying keep trusting in Jesus. I know that keeping my focus on Jesus is all that's keeping me going right now. I'm focusing on Him as I try to make it through this world and into eternity. Keep your eyes on the Lord and let Him lead. Amen.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
A Verse For The Day
John 11:25--"I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."
Friday, March 16, 2012
Update
Unfortunately, I've had a serious redevelopment of my respiratory illness. I'm going to take the week off and see if I can once and for all get over this stuff. May God bless you.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The Bear
I watched my favorite movie last night. The Bear is a wonderful movie about an orphaned bear cub who befriends a giant male bear. During the film, the pair try to elude hunters and live in peace. The scenery in The Bear is absolutely beautiful. The Bear is based on the book The Grizzly King by James Oliver Curwood. At the end of the movie there is a quote from the book that says, "The greatest thrill is not to kill but to let live." Watch the movie, and you will know what that means.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Weekend Sermon--Luke 17:11-19
I've been feeling better this last week. It's been a slow road to recovery, but I'm thankful that I'm doing a bit better with every passing day. I was even able to work on writing quite a bit this week which is something that I always enjoy. However, since I'm still not 100 percent, this week's sermon will be a little shorter than usual as was last week's.
In today's Scripture reading, we see the account of Jesus' encounter with the ten lepers. Ten lepers see Jesus from far away and they call out to Jesus asking that He heal them of their leprosy.
This was the custom in Bible times. Those who had leprosy were commanded to stay away from people. They also had to live outside of the cities. To be a leper was a terrible predicament.
Although these men were following the law and calling out from a far, Jesus wasn't unwilling to touch or be in contact with lepers. Jesus often touched and healed those who were afflicted with this dreaded disease. He loved these people that so many others rejected. In Jesus' day, those who had leprosy were considered to be great sinners who were being punished by God. But, Jesus showed that they were not outcasts from God's love. Jesus didn't rejected anyone.
When Jesus heard the lepers cry, He told the men to go and show themselves to the priest. This was the requirement according to the Old Testament law. If a leper believed himself to be cleansed, he was to go to the priest who would determine if the leprosy truly was cured. If cured, the priest would declare the individual clean, and he would be allowed back into society.
What Jesus was asking these men to do was to believe that they were healed. They would demonstrate their faith by going to the priest to show that they were cleansed. As the men were traveling to see the priest, they were completely healed by the miracle working power of Jesus.
When the ten men realized they were healed, nine of the men continued on their way. But, one man cried out glorifying God. He ran back to Jesus, fell at Jesus' feet, and gave thanks for his healing.
Jesus wondered where the other nine were. Why had only one man come back to give thanks for the good thing that had been done for him? Jesus told the man to get up. His faith had made him well.
I've often wondered why the other nine men didn't come back to give thanks. I don't think we can really say with any certainty. What I do know is that sometimes I'm not as thankful as I should be. I know that I make requests of the Lord, but sometimes I forget to say thank you. For instance, I've been praying a long time for peace in North Korea. Recently, North Korea agreed to curb its nuclear program. This was an answer to prayer. However, I realized that I forgot to give thanks.
This last week, I've been thinking of things to be thankful for. The past 8 weeks have been particularly hard. They've been some of the hardest times in the last 2 years, and the last 2 years haven't been a cake walk. I know that I've done my fair share of complaining. I needed to try to focus on the good things to be thankful for.
One simple thing I found to grateful for this week was the discovery of an author who writes dog stories. I've had a lot of fun this week researching the life of Albert Payson Terhune and reading his books about collies. I'm thankful that the Lord allowed me to find out about this.
I'm also thankful for the fact that yesterday was a beautiful day, and it felt great just to be out in the sunshine.
Another thing I've been thinking about lately and I'm thankful for is the fact that I live in a country that is free. When I see the religious turmoil, wars, and tension in other nations around the world, I'm thankful that I live in a land where I can go to any church I want to, I can travel anywhere I want to, and I have the freedom to write whatever I want to. These are things many in my country take for granted.
This week, I urge you in the midst of any difficulty you might be facing to think of things to be thankful to God for. Tell Him that you are thankful for what He had provided.
As always, we should express our thanksgiving to Jesus for dying on the cross to save us from our sins. We should be thankful that Jesus left His home in glory to be our Savior. We should be thankful for His love. Amen.
In today's Scripture reading, we see the account of Jesus' encounter with the ten lepers. Ten lepers see Jesus from far away and they call out to Jesus asking that He heal them of their leprosy.
This was the custom in Bible times. Those who had leprosy were commanded to stay away from people. They also had to live outside of the cities. To be a leper was a terrible predicament.
Although these men were following the law and calling out from a far, Jesus wasn't unwilling to touch or be in contact with lepers. Jesus often touched and healed those who were afflicted with this dreaded disease. He loved these people that so many others rejected. In Jesus' day, those who had leprosy were considered to be great sinners who were being punished by God. But, Jesus showed that they were not outcasts from God's love. Jesus didn't rejected anyone.
When Jesus heard the lepers cry, He told the men to go and show themselves to the priest. This was the requirement according to the Old Testament law. If a leper believed himself to be cleansed, he was to go to the priest who would determine if the leprosy truly was cured. If cured, the priest would declare the individual clean, and he would be allowed back into society.
What Jesus was asking these men to do was to believe that they were healed. They would demonstrate their faith by going to the priest to show that they were cleansed. As the men were traveling to see the priest, they were completely healed by the miracle working power of Jesus.
When the ten men realized they were healed, nine of the men continued on their way. But, one man cried out glorifying God. He ran back to Jesus, fell at Jesus' feet, and gave thanks for his healing.
Jesus wondered where the other nine were. Why had only one man come back to give thanks for the good thing that had been done for him? Jesus told the man to get up. His faith had made him well.
I've often wondered why the other nine men didn't come back to give thanks. I don't think we can really say with any certainty. What I do know is that sometimes I'm not as thankful as I should be. I know that I make requests of the Lord, but sometimes I forget to say thank you. For instance, I've been praying a long time for peace in North Korea. Recently, North Korea agreed to curb its nuclear program. This was an answer to prayer. However, I realized that I forgot to give thanks.
This last week, I've been thinking of things to be thankful for. The past 8 weeks have been particularly hard. They've been some of the hardest times in the last 2 years, and the last 2 years haven't been a cake walk. I know that I've done my fair share of complaining. I needed to try to focus on the good things to be thankful for.
One simple thing I found to grateful for this week was the discovery of an author who writes dog stories. I've had a lot of fun this week researching the life of Albert Payson Terhune and reading his books about collies. I'm thankful that the Lord allowed me to find out about this.
I'm also thankful for the fact that yesterday was a beautiful day, and it felt great just to be out in the sunshine.
Another thing I've been thinking about lately and I'm thankful for is the fact that I live in a country that is free. When I see the religious turmoil, wars, and tension in other nations around the world, I'm thankful that I live in a land where I can go to any church I want to, I can travel anywhere I want to, and I have the freedom to write whatever I want to. These are things many in my country take for granted.
This week, I urge you in the midst of any difficulty you might be facing to think of things to be thankful to God for. Tell Him that you are thankful for what He had provided.
As always, we should express our thanksgiving to Jesus for dying on the cross to save us from our sins. We should be thankful that Jesus left His home in glory to be our Savior. We should be thankful for His love. Amen.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
An Old Dog Book
I found one of my Mom's old dog books last week. It is called Lad: A Dog by Albert Payson Terhune. I'd never read this book, so I decided to give it a chance. I loved it. What a great story about collies. Since reading this book, I've done quite a bit of research into Terhune and his Sunnybank collies. I am definitely going to read more of his stories.
My Mom read these books when she was a girl back in the 1930's. I remember her telling me that she loved collies so much because of reading Terhune's books. My Mom always wanted to have collies, and her dream came true. She had some nice collie dogs, and I had a lot of fun playing with them when I was a boy.
Most of Terhune's books are now out of print, but some are available through Project Gutenberg.
My Mom read these books when she was a girl back in the 1930's. I remember her telling me that she loved collies so much because of reading Terhune's books. My Mom always wanted to have collies, and her dream came true. She had some nice collie dogs, and I had a lot of fun playing with them when I was a boy.
Most of Terhune's books are now out of print, but some are available through Project Gutenberg.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Weekend Sermon--Genesis 1, Job 38-41
I'm back posting. Thank God, I am getting over my illness. But, I'm not fully recovered yet. With that in mind, this Weekend Sermon won't be quite as long as usual.
This week, I'd like to talk about the beginning. Specifically, I'd like to focus on creation and humanity's assignment from God to take care of the world God has made.
This past week while I've not been feeling the best, I've thought a lot about nature and some of the many animals I've had the pleasure to know over the years. I'm truly grateful for all of the creatures God has brought into my life to make it better. I also had the privilege last week to watch two great nature programs. The first program was about the wildlife of the Himalayas. I'm always pleased to see anything about snow leopards and watch them run along the craggy rocks without a care of falling. The other program was a three hour show about ocean mammals. This program was tremendously good. The scientist and filmmakers were able to capture images never seen before.
Whenever I reflect on all of the animals that God has made, I think of God's awesome majesty and power. What a wonderful and creative God we serve who can bring to life all of the abundance and variety of creation.
In Genesis chapter one, we have the account of the creation of the world. God made everything perfect and declared everything that He made to be good. God then placed people in charge of taking care of that which He had made. Sadly, humans have not kept this first commandment given by God.
Instead of being good stewards of the creation, we have destroyed so much of what God created. Just think of all of the animals that have gone extinct. A couple of months ago, I saw some old grainy footage of a Tasmanian Tiger. But, they have all been hunted out and killed. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could see a creature like that today. Unfortunately, it won't be possible until Jesus returns.
While the Tasmanian Tiger wasn't a real tiger, it was more of a dog-like creature, the real tiger is a critically endangered species. Because of poaching and habitat destruction, the number of tigers in the wild continues to dwindle.
And look at what happened ,and is starting to happen again, with whales. These great creatures of the deep were hunted almost to the very brink of extinction. Now, some countries continue to hunt whales in the name of research.
These are just a few instances of how people have failed to be good stewards of God's creation. Let me give you a couple of more examples. Last year, I wrote an article on the practice of shark fining. This involves catching a shark, cutting off its fins, and while it is still alive, dumping it back into the ocean to die. This horrible cruelty is conducted so that people can eat shark fin soup.
Look at what happens to so many pets in America. Tens of thousands are euthanized every year because people didn't care about them anymore. What a shame.
Unfortunately, there isn't much attention paid to these things in conservative theological circles. Growing up as a boy, I heard countless times how that animals were placed here for man, and we could do with them whatever we wanted to do. One thing I've never understood though. Why is it justified to destroy one of the masterworks of God's creation, yet if someone destroys the work of a human artist it's considered a crime? Apparently, what God makes isn't as important in some people's opinion.
In Job 38-41, God tells Job about some of the magnificent creatures God created. God describes His creation in wonderful poetic detail. I urge you to read it.
In this message, I want to urge Christians to stop and think about the commandment that we have been given by God to be good stewards of creation. Be an environmentally responsible person doing whatever is in your power to make this world a better place. Speak out against animal cruelty.
Also, take care of the animals God has allowed to be in your care. Make sure they have proper food, water, shelter, and veterinary care.
God had made a beautiful world with wonderful creatures in it. Let's take care of God's good earth. Amen.
This week, I'd like to talk about the beginning. Specifically, I'd like to focus on creation and humanity's assignment from God to take care of the world God has made.
This past week while I've not been feeling the best, I've thought a lot about nature and some of the many animals I've had the pleasure to know over the years. I'm truly grateful for all of the creatures God has brought into my life to make it better. I also had the privilege last week to watch two great nature programs. The first program was about the wildlife of the Himalayas. I'm always pleased to see anything about snow leopards and watch them run along the craggy rocks without a care of falling. The other program was a three hour show about ocean mammals. This program was tremendously good. The scientist and filmmakers were able to capture images never seen before.
Whenever I reflect on all of the animals that God has made, I think of God's awesome majesty and power. What a wonderful and creative God we serve who can bring to life all of the abundance and variety of creation.
In Genesis chapter one, we have the account of the creation of the world. God made everything perfect and declared everything that He made to be good. God then placed people in charge of taking care of that which He had made. Sadly, humans have not kept this first commandment given by God.
Instead of being good stewards of the creation, we have destroyed so much of what God created. Just think of all of the animals that have gone extinct. A couple of months ago, I saw some old grainy footage of a Tasmanian Tiger. But, they have all been hunted out and killed. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could see a creature like that today. Unfortunately, it won't be possible until Jesus returns.
While the Tasmanian Tiger wasn't a real tiger, it was more of a dog-like creature, the real tiger is a critically endangered species. Because of poaching and habitat destruction, the number of tigers in the wild continues to dwindle.
And look at what happened ,and is starting to happen again, with whales. These great creatures of the deep were hunted almost to the very brink of extinction. Now, some countries continue to hunt whales in the name of research.
These are just a few instances of how people have failed to be good stewards of God's creation. Let me give you a couple of more examples. Last year, I wrote an article on the practice of shark fining. This involves catching a shark, cutting off its fins, and while it is still alive, dumping it back into the ocean to die. This horrible cruelty is conducted so that people can eat shark fin soup.
Look at what happens to so many pets in America. Tens of thousands are euthanized every year because people didn't care about them anymore. What a shame.
Unfortunately, there isn't much attention paid to these things in conservative theological circles. Growing up as a boy, I heard countless times how that animals were placed here for man, and we could do with them whatever we wanted to do. One thing I've never understood though. Why is it justified to destroy one of the masterworks of God's creation, yet if someone destroys the work of a human artist it's considered a crime? Apparently, what God makes isn't as important in some people's opinion.
In Job 38-41, God tells Job about some of the magnificent creatures God created. God describes His creation in wonderful poetic detail. I urge you to read it.
In this message, I want to urge Christians to stop and think about the commandment that we have been given by God to be good stewards of creation. Be an environmentally responsible person doing whatever is in your power to make this world a better place. Speak out against animal cruelty.
Also, take care of the animals God has allowed to be in your care. Make sure they have proper food, water, shelter, and veterinary care.
God had made a beautiful world with wonderful creatures in it. Let's take care of God's good earth. Amen.
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