Was Jesus’ Death Just for Humans?
Once upon a time in a land far far away, there existed a beautiful garden clothed in glorious, riotous harmony. The two humans who lived there decided they wanted more, and they reached out and took it. The harmony fell discordant. Not only had these two humans introduced sin into their own beings, their own lives, but it affected everything around them.
In Genesis 3:17 (NIV) God tells Adam, “Cursed is the ground because of you.” The easy life was over. Thorns and thistles competed with food-bearing crops. Adam and Eve no longer lived in easy harmony with nature.
We still don’t, but it’s not creation’s fault. Lest it seems I’m anthropomorphising nature, let me point you to Romans 8:19: “For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.” (NIV) Read Romans 8:19-25 in The Voice version here.
Not only human’s were affected by the sin of Adam and Eve in the garden, and not only humans are affected by the reconciliation made possible through Jesus’ death on the cross. Creation continues to wait until Jesus returns and the circle is complete.
Oh, how I long for that day.
Indeed!
What an interesting question. I have to admit it’s never crossed my mind until recently. I’m almost finished reading your Raspberry Vinegar, and am having to challenge my laise faire attitude to living gently with the earth. The plot and sub-plots intertwine the human story with that of the land. Thanks for challenging my comfortable denial. 🙂
Bobbi, thank you. I think that’s one of my goals for my writing. To tell a good story, for sure, but making people think is high on my list as well! Thanks for blessing me with your comment.
Let us not be so sure that the reconciliation with nature is not happening. Look at the signs of reconciliation.
Hi there! I’d love to know what signs of reconciliation you see. 🙂
Good reminder that it’s not just about us — because our fallen state affects everything around us.
Humans love to think everything is about us!