Title Deeds

Psalm 24:1 NKJV

The earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.

There is so much conflict and warring in this world about borders and nationhood.

Currently, here in the UK, there is a political "tussle" about what it means to be British. Who's a cultural or who's an ethnic Brit?

Let's just stand back from politics for a bit and look at the big picture from a biblical perspective.

Who has the title deeds to the earth? To whom does it belong?

To the might of China, Russia, North Korea or the USA - with their joint sabre rattling?

This Psalm says it loud and clear:

The earth is the Lord's and everything and everyone in it.

Furthermore, there is His Sovereign Hand at work determining the borders of the nations.

Acts 17:24-27 NKJV

"God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of Heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. [25] Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. [26] And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, [27] so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us

It is comforting to know, amidst the chaos and conflict, that God's Sovereign Hand is at work.

As He holds the title deeds to the earth, ultimately He will bring the nations together under One King of kings - Jesus Christ.

It twice belongs to Him. First as Creator and again as Redeemer, dealing with sin and death on the Cross - gloriously rising from the dead and ascending to the right hand of the Father.

We humans are only stewards of the earth, not owners.

We were challenged to subdued it and make it prosper. We've done a bad job, haven't we?

It will take Jesus to oversee its renewal:

Isaiah 2:2-4 NKJV

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD's house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. [3] Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem. [4] He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.

Be encouraged - that time is coming and CANNOT be thwarted.

Even so come Lord Jesus, sort out our mess!