"WHO OWNS THE EARTH? THE BIBLICAL TRUTH ABOUT GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY"
The Earth Belongs to God – A Call
to Humility and Stewardship
Introduction
In a world where nations, leaders, and corporations lay claim to land,
resources, and power, it is essential to remember one fundamental truth: The
earth belongs to God. No human, government, or organization truly owns it.
We are merely stewards, entrusted with God’s creation for a fleeting moment in
time.
Psalm 24:1 declares:
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who
live in it.”
This powerful verse reminds us that ownership of the earth is not in our
hands but in God’s. It is He who created it, sustains it, and determines its
future. Our role is not to dominate or exploit but to steward it wisely with
humility and reverence.
The Earth Is God's, Not Ours
Our time on this earth is temporary. No matter how much wealth, power, or
influence we accumulate, we cannot take it with us. Job 1:21 says:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord
gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
Yet, history shows that humanity repeatedly tries to claim ownership over
what belongs to God. Nations fight over land, people strive for power, and
individuals hoard wealth as if they can take it beyond the grave. But the Bible
warns that such arrogance leads to consequences.
The Parable of the Tenants – A Warning
from Jesus
Jesus illustrated this truth through The Parable of the Tenants (Luke
20:9-19), revealing the dangers of greed, pride, and rejection of God’s
authority.
The Parable of the Tenants (Luke
20:9-19)
9 Jesus told the people this parable:
A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers, and went away for a
long time.
10 At harvest time, he sent a servant (symbolizing the prophets) to
collect some of the fruit from the tenants. But they beat him and sent him away
empty-handed.
11 He sent another servant, but they also beat him, treated him
shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed.
12 He sent a third servant, but they wounded him and threw him out.
13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send
my beloved son (Jesus); perhaps they will respect him.’
14 But when the tenants saw him, they conspired, saying, ‘This is the
heir. Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’
15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
16 “What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?” Jesus asked.
“He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.”
When the people heard this, they exclaimed, “God forbid!”
17 Jesus looked at them and said:
“Then what is the meaning of the Scripture that says:
‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?”
18 “Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but
anyone on whom it falls will be crushed (punished).”
19 The religious leaders understood that Jesus was speaking against them,
and they sought to arrest Him, but they feared the people.
Understanding the Message Behind the
Parable
This parable is a direct warning to those who reject God’s authority and
seek to claim what is not theirs. The vineyard represents the world, the
tenants symbolize humanity, and the servants sent by the owner represent the
prophets who were repeatedly rejected. Finally, the son—Jesus Himself—was sent,
but He too was rejected and crucified.
Yet, the rejected Son became the cornerstone of salvation. Jesus is
the foundation upon which God’s Kingdom is built. Those who embrace Him
will have eternal life, but those who reject Him will face divine judgment.
God’s Judgment on Those Who Try to
Take What Is His
Throughout history, those who have attempted to defy God’s ownership have
faced severe consequences. The Bible repeatedly warns against arrogance and
greed:
- Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride
goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
- Ecclesiastes
5:15 – “Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb, and as
everyone comes, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that
they can carry in their hands.”
- Matthew 16:26 – “What
good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their
soul?”
If history has taught us anything, it is that kingdoms rise and fall,
empires crumble, and wealth fades away. But God remains sovereign. Those
who seek to control or hoard what belongs to Him will ultimately be held
accountable.
Our Role as Stewards of God’s Creation
So, what does this mean for us? As believers, we are called to be faithful
stewards of what God has entrusted to us—whether it be the earth, our
resources, or our spiritual lives.
- Care for God’s
Creation – The Bible calls us to be responsible caretakers of the world.
Genesis 2:15 says: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden
of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
- Live with
Humility – We must recognize that our lives and possessions are temporary.
Instead of seeking power or wealth, we should focus on serving God and
others.
- Put Our Trust
in God, Not in Material Things – Jesus reminds us in Matthew
6:19-21:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Final Thoughts – A Call to Repentance
and Trust in God
The earth and everything in it belong to God. Those who seek to claim it
for themselves will ultimately fail. Instead of striving for control, let us
humble ourselves before the Lord, acknowledge His sovereignty, and live as
faithful stewards of His creation.
The question remains: Are you living as a humble steward of what God
has entrusted to you, or are you trying to claim what is not yours?
Let us turn to God with repentance, trust in His plan, and build our
lives on the cornerstone—Jesus Christ.
Call to Action
- Reflect – Are there
areas in your life where you are trying to take control instead of
trusting God?
- Pray – Ask God to
give you wisdom and humility to be a faithful steward of what He has given
you.
- Share – If this
message has touched your heart, share it with others so they too can be
reminded of God’s sovereignty!
May we always remember: The earth belongs to the Lord, and we are merely
passing through. Let us live wisely and in obedience to Him. Amen!
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