Blessings of Summer

Hopefully, as we enter June we can look forward to the balmy days of summer. So, this month we will look through scripture tracing what the Bible says of this third season of the year.  However, along with Aristotle, we need to observe a word of caution when he said,”For one swallow does not make a summer, nor does one day; and so too one day, or a short time, does not make a man blessed and happy.” I wonder, what are the lasting blessings that summer brings for you?

One of the earliest mentions of Summer in the Bible can be found in Genesis 8:22 “For as long as Earth lasts, planting and harvest, cold and heat, Summer and winter, day and night will never stop.” 

This  follows verses where God's reveals a commitment to never again curse the earth through the flood or to wipe out humanity and animal-kind in that way, with verse 22 completing God's promise. From this point, throughout the planet's history, the patterns of nature will remain as God has created them. The cycles will continue. Day will follow night. One season will follow another. The world will continue to function predictably according to God's design. This is the grace of God upon all His creation. 

However, we need to also see this cycle of events in the context of how God has bestowed upon humankind the responsibility to work with the seasons in caring for the created order. In Genesis 2:15 we read, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

Environmental responsibility means that humans should look after the world in such a way that future generations can enjoy it too. It involves not using up the world's natural resources and ensuring that the planet is cared for and preserved.

As stewards of God’s creation, Christianity teaches that humans have a responsibility towards the environment and we have a duty to do what we can to ensure we are environmentally responsible.

Living God, as we enter this summer season,  you continue to call us to be good stewards of this earthly home, strengthen us to care for your creation; forgive us when, through our greed and indifference we abuse its beauty and damage its potential. Empower us, through your Spirit to so nurture and love the world, that all creation sings to your glory.