The world and all that is in I is mine.
Psalm 50:12b

Our God is a possessive God. Boldly, our Lord claims that he's the owner of the whole world!

The maker of heaven and earth makes his astonishing assertion through a spokesperson -- the ancient psalmist. "I am God," he says forthrightly.

Every beast of the forest is mine,
The cattle on a thousand hills.
I know all the birds of the air,
And all that moves in the field is mine.
 
The world and all that is in it is mine.
Psalm 50:7b, 10-11, 12b

Since our Creator God is the owner of all things, it follows that we are stewards. Stewards are people who are put in charge of their master's property. They are managers or administrators of gifts entrusted to their care.

Accountability is implied. Stewards are responsible to the landlord. One day, they'll be called to give an account of their stewardship.

Goods and property are to be used, but not abused. Wealth and abundance are to be shared, not consumed selfishly. The land is to be nurtured and cared for, not exploited for short-term or easy profit. Environmental policies and priorities are to be based on justice for all, not on self-interest.

In short, all of life is a gift. Our selves, our time, and our possessions are benefits first given to us. Accordingly, you and I are called to a stewardship of accountable management and a responsible offering of thanks.

We give thee but thine own,
What-e're the gift may be;
All that we have is thine alone,
A trust, O lord, from thee.
 
May we thy bounties thus
As stewards true receive,
And gladly, as thus blesses us,
To thee our first fruits give.
Hymn 410, Lutheran Book of Worship

Contributed by Pastor Richard
Published Sunday June 5, 2005
Week 28 of Liturgical Year A