The Pacific Basin Initiative Climate Devotional

CLIMATE JUSTICE DEVOTIONAL SUBTEXT

The scriptures below provide a biblical foundation for engaging in eco-friendly farming practices, addressing climate issues, advocating for climate justice, and promoting stewardship of creation in accordance with our Christian values.

Stewardship of Creation
At its core, the command to till and keep the garden of Eden is a call to stewardship – a call to responsibly manage and protect the Earth’s resources. As stewards of creation, we are entrusted with the care of God’s handiwork, charged with the sacred task of preserving its beauty and abundance for future generations. Let us approach our role as stewards with humility and reverence, recognizing that the Earth does not belong to us but is a gift from God.

Genesis 2:15 - The Call to Stewardship
In the tranquil beauty of the Garden of Eden, God entrusted humanity with a sacred task - to till and keep the earth. This divine commission echoes through the ages, resonating with us today as a profound call to stewardship. As we reflect on this verse let us embrace our role as caretakers of creation. Let us cultivate the earth with reverence and care, mindful of our responsibility to nurture and protect God's precious gift. May our hands be guided by love, our hearts filled with gratitude, as we work to safeguard the beauty and abundance of the world around us.

Indigenous Knowledge
Indigenous knowledge encompasses traditional practices, beliefs, and wisdom passed down through generations by communities. It includes insights on sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, traditional healing methods, storytelling, navigation, and cultural practices. Indigenous knowledge is particularly deeply rooted in Fijian culture and plays a vital role in shaping community identity, resilience, and sustainable living practices. Our partners in Fiji are incorporating traditional practices alongside modern eco-friendly farming techniques. Indigenous knowledge in these places guides sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and deeply rooted cultural practices.

Leviticus 25:3-4 - Sabbath Rest for the Land
In the ancient wisdom of Leviticus, we find a timeless principle of sustainability - the Sabbath rest for the land. As God commanded the Israelites to allow the earth to lie fallow (uncultivated) every seventh year, we are reminded of the importance of rest and renewal in the cycle of life. This passage speaks to us today, inviting us to embrace the rhythms of nature and practice sustainable agriculture. Let us honor the land by giving it time to rejuvenate, practicing crop rotation and soil conservation. In doing so, we participate in God's divine plan for harmony and balance in creation, ensuring that the earth remains fruitful and abundant for generations to come.

Climate Migration
Residents of villages on many Pacific Islands have already been forced to migrate due to climate change. Fiji confronts climate-related hurdles like increasingly strong tropical cyclones, extensive rainfall causing floods, and the rising of sea levels. These climate events endanger infrastructure, agriculture, coastal settlements, and cultural landmarks.

Isaiah 24:4-5 - Lament for the Earth
In the prophetic words of Isaiah, we hear the earth's lament - a cry for the devastation brought on by human hands. As the earth mourns, we are confronted with the harsh reality of environmental degradation and the urgent need for repentance and renewal. This passage challenges us to confront our role in the destruction of God's creation and to strive for justice and restoration. Let us heed the earth's cry, advocating for policies that protect the vulnerable and preserve the integrity of the natural world. May our hearts be stirred to action, as we work tirelessly to heal the wounds of the earth and restore the beauty of God's creation.

Eco-friendly Farming
Tilling the land in the garden of Eden represents the act of cultivation, which speaks to the practice of farming. However, the directive to “keep it” implies a deeper responsibility – one of stewardship and care. As we engage in agriculture, let us heed this call to farm in harmony with nature, adopting eco-friendly practices that promote soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability. May we approach farming not as mere exploitation of resources, but as a sacred duty to nurture and preserve God’s creation.

Romans 8:19-22 - Creation's Longing for Redemption
In the profound words of the Apostle Paul, we glimpse creation's longing for redemption - a yearning for liberation. As creation groans under the weight of human wrongdoing, we are called to join in its longing for renewal and restoration. This passage reminds us of our interconnectedness with the natural world, urging us to embrace our role as stewards of creation. May our lives be a testimony to the transformative power of God's love, as we strive to build a world where all creation can flourish in harmony and peace.

Deforestation, Pollution, Coastal Development
In Fiji, mangroves are facing several threats, including deforestation, coastal development, pollution, and climate change impacts. These vital coastal ecosystems are being cleared for agriculture, aquaculture, urban development, and infrastructure projects, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation of coastal shores and communities. Pollution from land-based activities, such as agriculture runoff and industrial discharge, further degrades mangrove habitats and affects water quality. Additionally, rising sea levels and increased storm intensity associated with climate change exacerbate erosion and inundation of mangrove areas, leading to their degradation and loss. Efforts are being made to conserve and restore mangroves in Fiji through various initiatives, including community-based conservation projects, reforestation programs, and awareness campaigns. These efforts aim to protect the biodiversity, coastal protection, and livelihood benefits provided by mangrove ecosystems while addressing the underlying drivers of their decline.

Psalm 24:1  - The Earth belongs to God
This verse underscores the concept of stewardship by emphasizing that the Earth belongs to God, and humanity is merely entrusted with its care. It encourages a perspective of reverence and responsibility towards the natural world, recognizing that all living beings and ecosystems are part of God's creation. 

---