|
Lectionary
3 TRINITY: 8 - 14 JUNE, 2008
THEME: ‘CREATION GROANS
IN PAIN!’
READING: ROMANS 8: 18 – 23
As Christians
we often pay only lip-service to the biblical doctrine of
creation. This is despite the majestic proclamation of the
Bible’s opening statements, “In the beginning God created the
heavens and the earth,” and of the call to Adam and Eve to
care for it. When Adam and Eve sinned, God pronounced judgment
on all creation. Since then, the world has suffered
degradation, pollution and deforestation because of the rule
of sin and evil. Also the extracting of resources such as oil,
coal, minerals or timber, is often done to make maximum profit
for those involved, with minimal protection against any damage
done.
The opening statement of the Bible is not only
meant to refute evolution, but it is supposed to lead us to
proactively participate in caring and restoring the earth as
we wait for the full redemption when God will give us a new
earth and full rights as God’s children. Therefore, Christians
in Africa do not need to be pessimistic, because they have
hope for a future glory when God will free the world of
sickness, sin and evil. Meanwhile, Christians must not relent
in doing good, proclaiming the salvation message and fighting
the evil effects of sin in the world.
Submitted by
Rev. Lawrence Temfwe
PRAYER
Lord of creation, you
give new strength to our faith. Grant that we may recognise
your presence in all life and history and work for the
enhancement of creation to the honour and glory of God. Amen.
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Psalm 8; Genesis 1; Psalm
33: 6‐9; Job 28: 25‐27; Psalm 3: 19:20; Revelation 22
| |
|