By: Elliott Shin | Executive Director
God had given Adam and Eve dominion over creation but because of their sin, their reign over creation could not come to pass. Although sin ravaged the world, the hope of the world was born and His name was Jesus. He is known as the second and last Adam. Jesus was sent to be the ruler over the earth, to rule better than anyone that was before Him, to rule better than Adam ever did. Christ is ultimately in control over His creation, over the current state of the world and we can continue to put our hope in Him.
Elliott Shin, our Executive Director, has written a blog about his view on creation. Check it out below:
“Over the past couple of years, the Covid 19 pandemic has taught us a lot about the wonderments of science. Scientists and other folks in the medical field have demonstrated expertise and tremendous skill as they have identified this new coronavirus, have established and designed therapies and treatments for this new disease, and in record time have developed and administered vaccines that work safely!
However, in these divided and differentiated times, science has also shown that it cannot lessen and minimize anger, provide forgiveness for each other, build respect with those we disagree with and have deep compassion for others. In other words, science in all its marvels cannot provide us with hope, only our faith can.
Billy Graham noted that “When we fail to see the world as God’s creation, we will end up abusing it. Selfishness and greed take over, and we end up not caring about the environment or the problems we are creating for future generations.” Furthermore, the Psalmist David teaches us “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1).
Here in Canada, we are blessed with 4 seasons, and as each season comes forth, we are reminded of the incredible beauty of creation. From the bright colours of the fall to the lush green of the spring and summer to the radiant sunsets and snow-capped mountains in the winter, we are reminded of the magnificence of creation. As people of faith, we know that the beauty we see around us is created by God, and as such the world belongs to Him. Because of this, we are commanded to be good wardens and custodians of His majesty. So rather than disregard, abandon, or harm it, we are asked to love and take care of it. Further, let us always be cognisant of Billy Graham’s important reminder of keeping creation for future generations. That we see the world as God’s creation and avoid being greedy and abusing it.
Of course, we need to be respectful and adhere to the causes of climate change, and be learned with other environmental issues. However, as with Covid 19, our hope does not rest on science only, but it rests deeply and widely on Jesus. Romans 8:19-22 teaches that creation is eagerly waiting on Christ to “be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” In other words, until the return of Christ it is imperative that we continue to be good stewards of what the Lord has entrusted to our care, but ultimately God is in control, and our hope rests on Him. It is Christ who will bring hope to creation and to our world.
Amen!”