READ: GENESIS 1:11-31; 2:15-22; ROMANS 8:18-30; REVELATION 21:1-7

We often think that God made animals for us. It’s true, right? Because Adam named them, and God says that we have dominion over them? A problem with this way of thinking is that it can be used to justify the misuse of God’s creation. But actually, God created everything out of the overflow of His love. And when He created humans, He gave us the responsibility to care well for animals and all of creation. In Genesis 1:26, God says, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” Some Bible translations say that God gave us “dominion over” all these creatures.

If you notice, humans are made after the rest of creation, and then put in charge of the animals and plants. We are the stewards of creation. This means that we are called to take care of it for God, and we can enjoy it, but it doesn’t ultimately belong to us. Creation belongs to God. This really shows that God loves us—He invites us to enjoy His creation, cultivate it, and use it in countless creative ways. But because it’s His, we need to treat it with respect, and love.

Sadly, our relationship with nature has been corrupted because of our sin. Ever since humans first rejected God and His good ways at the fall in Genesis 3, sin has been in the world, and this is the cause of all the death, sadness, and toil that we experience today. But, God has promised to make all things new. When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave, He defeated sin and death. And when Jesus comes back, He will restore the heavens and the earth—He will make a perfect creation with no more death and suffering. Then all the people who have put their trust in Jesus will rule over this new creation with perfect love. Until that day, He helps us learn to act as good stewards of all He created. • Elijah Walsh

• How have you seen God’s love for you in His creation?

• We live after the fall, so creation is not as it was meant to be. And the sinful choices of people continue to take a toll on plants, animals, and ecosystems. How have you seen the corrupting effects of sin on nature? Consider taking a moment to bring any concerns you have to God. He cares about His creation, including people, and He provides forgiveness and restoration through Jesus. You can also ask Him to help you notice practical ways you can care for His world.

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule…over all the creatures…” Genesis 1:26 (NIV)