The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters. (Psalm 24:1-2)
Consider this scenario: a very wealthy man builds a great housing complex replete with all the latest amenities, sparing no expense in the process. Upon completion of the project, he lets it out to tenants who move in with their families, their wares and furniture bringing the whole place to life. Now, here’s the question — who owns what? Obviously the wealthy man owns the building and everything attached to it but he doesn’t own the contents — that belongs to those who populate his building. Conversely, though their presence is absolutely necessary for the building’s purpose to be realized, they have no claim on the building or its fixtures whatsoever.
The point is this: the earth and everything in it — and everyone in it — belongs to the LORD. He is the Creator and Master of all. He went to great care to construct a world in which we might all live and prosper, sparing no expense as it were. He also included the gift of eternal life through the suffering of His Son, the Messiah. That, of course, was necessitated by the fact that not everyone has acknowledged His sovereignty over all, thus presenting an ongoing problem. Since the beginning, far too many people don’t see things the way David expressed them. People live as if anything they accomplish or attain in this world is due to their own strength and power, never fully realizing that the LORD is the One who gave them the abilities needed to prosper in this world.
As God’s people we must not fail to remember that, were it not for the LORD and His goodness, this fallen world would produce nothing for us except brambles and briars, heartaches and sorrow. As a reminder to remain grateful to the LORD for allowing us to enjoy His creation, it is written: “When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the Lord” (Deuteronomy 8:10-11). As the old saying goes, “You can’t take it (material possessions) with you.” One reason for that — it never belonged to you or me in the first place. So then, let us always be certain to acknowledge where our help, provision and protection comes from — the One who owns it all, Maker of heaven and earth.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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