I looked back at that passage in Revelation and apparently, the passage was “part” of the prayers by the 24 elders. . . In that case, it appears they were praying to God that He would destroy those who destroy the earth, and not necessarily that God would do that. HOWEVER, my question is what is the meaning of destroying those who destroy the earth? What did the 24 elders mean by “those who destroy the earth?” I’m interested in who you think they are referring to?

As far as your comments on Adam having dominion over the land, plants, animals, etc. Yes, I agree, that people take that and do either good or bad with it. Just because they are “allowed” to do bad with it doesn’t mean there will be no consequence from God. So what consequence will there be? That the land will be taken away? I think more. As you say, they will reap what they sow. The concept of reaping what is sown is prevalent in the Bible, so I don’t see why it would be exempt in the passage in Revelation regarding destroying those who destroy the earth. In your example of the doing well with what you have and more will be added. I’m thinking you’re referring to the servants who were given the talents and the one given the one talent buried his and had no return. If you look at that passage, not only was the talent taken away from him, but he was also to be “cast into outer darkness.” See, Matthew 25:29-30, “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Not only was the talent (land) taken away from him, but also he was cast out into outer darkness (some form of punishment).

So, sure, I can concede that it was the prayers of the 24 elders hoping that God would destroy those who destroy the earth, so it very well may be that God “doesn’t” destroy them. However, I do believe that they will reap what they sow, and for harming the earth and subsequently other people by making it almost impossible to get away from toxins and poisons, they will likely be punished, not just have their hands slapped and their land taken away. It should be noted that when people sin, they are not the only ones to suffer consequence. Others around them can also suffer consequence for their sin even if we are innocent. For instance a vile, angry person can stab me because of nothing I did wrong, but because he’s sinful. Yet, I can suffer because of his sin. Likewise, these large corporations who pollute our environment harm us even though we have nothing to do with the decisions made in their companies. We will reap what they have sown “partly” because we “allow” it. We will reap either in sicknesses and diseases or exhorbitant prices in commodities, etc. Yet we also have responsibility to find a way out. An example is if someone is smoking in front of you. You can either sit there and take in all the smoke at the expense of your lungs, or you can get him/her to stop or move OR you can move yourself. There is a way out.

Anyway, just wanted to add more comments to that and also know how you interpreted that passage of “those who destroy the earth.” Who are these people that is being referred to? And what do you think they mean by “destroy?”

Glad you like Jen’s pads! Thanks for the plug.

Take care!

Marla

Interesting thoughts. Would like to add to it. I don’t necessarily agree with your biblical stand on God’s anger and why we should take care of our land but I have my own thoughts about it biblically. God did tell Adam he was to have dominion over the land, plants and animals and I think that gives us the principal of freedom to care for our land as we see fit. However there are other biblical principles that apply here. To whom much is given, much is required. I think this is a biggie. God has given us much in this earth and I believe he requires we care for it “much.” I do not see outright punishment as the result for not caring for it, but I do see the principal of reaping and sowing. We are definately reaping in our health what we are sowing in our soil. There is the principal of our bodies as the temple of the holy spirit. We are to care for our temples and doing so means feeding and caring for it the best we can – which to me means organically grown food going in. So there are just a few, quick (by no means all inclusive) thoughts.

And since this is a post on organics and taking care of our land I thought it would be a great place to post Jen’s website for cloth pads. I’ve been using these for several months now and I could NEVER go back to store bought. NEVER. Comfortable, clean, healthy, and organic. Here’s the link: http://www.mom-and-me-creations.com/ClothMom.html The investment is worth every penny.

Gotta jet, everyone’s home now.

patti