Land LORD.

"The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers." (Leviticus 25:23)

In Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam shared that God is the ultimate Owner of all property. It is the word of the LORD revealed in Scripture. In the Leviticus passage above, we see that God explained to Moses (and, by extension, to us) the reason for redeeming and returning properties in the Jubilee: it was never ours to keep. It's God's property.

King David reiterated God's ancient mandate in this way: The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it (Psalm 24:1).

Like ancient Israel, we in today's context recognize that we are strangers in this land. God has allowed us to live, and He has placed us in particular families and in particular regions of this planet, and we may even (like Israel of old) hold title deeds and legacies, but as we read Scripture we are cautioned to hold on to these distinctions loosely.

But, our lack of ownership does not exempt us from caring for God's earth and the things in it. Our pastor noted that, though we are not owners, we are called to be stewards of the things God has given us. The way in which we manage God's property reveals the passion, enthusiasm, disdain, or indifference that resides in our hearts.

Today, let's reflect on a few Scripture verses that pertain to stewardship.

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. (First Corinthians 4:1-2)

To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Yet the LORD set his affection on your ancestors and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations-- as it is today. Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. (Deuteronomy 10:14-16)

"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." (First Chronicles 29:14)

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. (First Timothy 6:6-8)

Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.