NOW THE LORD GOD HAD PLANTED A GARDEN IN THE EAST, IN EDEN; AND THERE HE PUT THE MAN HE HAD FORMED.…THE LORD GOD TOOK THE MAN AND PUT HIM IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN TO WORK IT AND TAKE CARE OF IT (GENESIS 2:8,15).
TODAY’S DEVOTION
God’s original intent was to colonize Earth with Heaven.
I understand that most people today think of colonization in very negative terms, particularly those who have lived under colonial rule, as I have. And with good reason: throughout history almost all human colonization has been characterized by coercion, brutality, greed, exploitation, victimization, and oppression. These traits, in fact, reflect the nature and tactics of satan, the original enemy of humanity, who illegally seized control of God’s original garden “colony,” and deposed its rightful rulers, Adam and Eve.
Colonization was God’s original idea, but His colony on earth took the form of a garden. As an analogy, a garden shares the same general traits as a colony, but without all the negative baggage. In sharp contrast to the violent and forceful way human empires expand, God’s way was much more subtle. Just as a garden gradually, beautifully, and completely transforms the fallow ground where it is planted, the influence of God’s Kingdom on Earth grows gradually and often invisibly until eventually it will fill the earth, infusing it with the culture of Heaven.
(God’s Big Idea, Chapter One)
CONSIDERATIONS
1. Jesus likened the process of Kingdom growth to the way yeast leavens bread (see Matt. 13:33). Are you experiencing a continual, gradual spiritual growth?
2. How does establishing Kingdom gardens fulfill His ultimate goal to fill the Earth with His glory?
3. When God created humankind He gave us rulership over the Earth, but He never gave us ownership. What is the difference between the two?
4. Is it possible for God’s full glory to be manifested on the Earth? Why or why not?
5. Because Jesus’ mission was to reestablish the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth, His first recorded public words were,“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matt. 4:17b). How do you think this message applies to His mission?
MEDITATION
As the initial outpost of God’s invisible Kingdom in the visible realm, Eden was a touch of Heaven on Earth. Everything about it reflected Heaven’s culture, government, and ways. Truly, it was paradise. Unfortunately, this idyllic state of affairs did not last long.
(God’s Big Idea, Chapter One)
Establishing His glory within your personal garden is what He desires.
Is your home base in God’s Kingdom on Earth?