“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”
Psalm 24:1 ESV
Land is a place, a neighborhood, and a source of wealth. It is a place of belonging and responsibility within our community.
And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. (Genesis 1:9-13 ESV)
The land represents, a place of belonging, wealth, inheritance, and value. I wonder if land determines wealth more than any other factor. Where were you born? It’s sad to say but it appears that wealth is most readily connected to the land. The country in which you were born determines the opportunities you have ahead of you. Doesn’t it seem that modern culture is disconnected from the land, especially in the cities and suburbs? A minority of farmers and ranchers still have the basic connection to land, that, forgive the pun, has deep-seated roots. From the land, just like the third day of creation, plants have found their home, to some degree, realize it is not, it is also our home.
God said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1 ESV) God called Abram to a life of purpose connected to the place God would show him. While he didn’t physically receive the promised land, his descendants after many years would And then the blessing would go out to all the nations through Jesus.
Mount San Antonio photo by Glen McWherter