Bees can identify certain scents from nearly 3 miles away. Because of their keen sense of smell, ability to fly, and minimal bodyweight, they make ideal bomb-sniffers. Croatian scientist Nikola Kezic has trained bees to detect TNT—an explosive used in his country’s many active landmines. He trains the bees by mixing tiny amounts of TNT with sugar. When the bees are released over a minefield, they’ll fly to areas where they smell the explosive—hoping to find some sweet dessert!
The ability to train insects and animals points us back to the beginning of time when God told humans to govern the earth. They were to “reign over the fish in the sea, the birds . . . and all the animals that scurry along the ground” (Genesis 1:28). Although Jesus has always sustained the earth (see Colossians 1:17), God has given us the authority to harness the natural world for our benefit.
Our God-given status in the world is part of a larger hierarchy. It’s no surprise that God is at the top! In Psalm 8, David said, “O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens” (Psalm 8:1). Beneath God are angels, then humans (Hebrews 2:7): God “crowned [us] with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:5). Then we have all other creatures. God “gave [us] charge of everything [He] made” (Psalm 8:6).
With authority comes responsibility. Caring for the earth and its creatures is a good thing. We can adopt a pet, plant a garden, use energy wisely—remembering that the earth was designed as a home for humans as well as all of His creation. And as we care for it, may we do so by worshiping God. For “[His] majestic name fills the earth!” (Psalm 8:9).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 27:1-26
More:
Read Psalm 104:24-30 for more on the earth’s association with its Creator. Look up Deuteronomy 4:16-19 to see how God warned the Israelites about falling in love with creation.
Next:
Why might some people be inclined to worship creation rather than the Creator? Where’s the line between caring for the earth and worshiping it?
Gary Shultz on November 16, 2015 at 6:06 am
A well woven article. To look at the “Next” question, I think it’s very simple, we all at times are like children who have been asked to do a task that seems unenjoyable. Anything will distract their attention from the task at hand. Creation, wonderful as it is, points to it’s Creator. To recognize the Creator, means considering our condition and the requirements to be with Him. So a little of both answers – it is easier to stop and smell the roses than do the soul exposing of our position in this world. It’s a shame, a meeting with the creator does not happen with some because creation would take on it’s proper balance. Being amazed, but pointing to it’s originator, sustainer and Lord. Thanks for the space.
jennifer benson schuldt on November 16, 2015 at 2:48 pm
Hi Gary Shultz,
I agree–it’s easier to worship the earth than to have a relationship with a Holy God. The earth requires nothing from us, and it gives nothing back. It’s impossible to have a relationship with inanimate objects such as the earth and stars. And yet, idolizing creation has been going on for ages. This morning, I read in Ezekiel about the people who were literally bowing down to the sun (Ezekiel 8:16). The created world is an amazing place. The more we investigate it, the more interesting it is! May all of its uniqueness and wonder points us to its creator (Hebrews 11:3)!
Tom Felten on November 16, 2015 at 9:39 am
Jennifer, I remember hearing ODJ author Mike Wittmer speak about God and His transcendence. He had a slide with the word God written above a line. Below the line was written “human beings” and every other created thing. Because God is “otherly,” there is no one else like Him, we are more like a bee then Him, for we’re created—created by Him. Yes, God has made us in His image and we possess special qualities that bees and other creatures do not, but the point is well taken: God alone is God. Speaking of bees, I’ve been considering establishing a honeybee hive in our backyard next spring. May that be one way to be a good steward of the wonderful creation God has given us to enjoy and care for. Plus I love the honey those little nectar collectors produce!
jennifer benson schuldt on November 16, 2015 at 2:34 pm
Hi Tom,
What a great comment about us being more like the bees than God. It’s so true. We’re part of his creation–His “otherness” is even greater than we can grasp. I say “yes” to the hive idea. Of course, I’m not the one at risk of getting stung! That sounds like a wonderful adventure. I read a book by Margaret Feinberg called Scouting the Divine. As I recall, that book had a nice long section about beekeeping–of course it was tied in to issues of spiritual significance. Might be something to check out!
Tom Felten on November 17, 2015 at 10:39 am
Thanks, Jen! Sounds like a good read.
Roxanne Robbins on November 16, 2015 at 11:13 pm
Because I’m not interested in worshipping the sun, it’s easy to question how anyone could choose that form or worship over our Father. Yet when I approach this humbly, I realize while sun worship holds no allure for me, I’m no different than anyone who’s tempted to worship creation instead of the Creator. The Lord is gracious to allow us to ask forgiveness and repent from all the things we value above Him.