The Yearly Cycle

In a couple of days, we will say goodbye to 2011 and usher in 2012.  The yearly cycle will continue until the Lord returns and this earth is destroyed.  The Scriptures affirm this truth in Gen 8:22, "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." (NIV) Because of the earth's rotation around the sun and revolution on its own axis, human beings on earth will experience the changing seasons and the 24-hr day time spans.  Nowadays, due to global warming and movements within the earth's crusts, we are also experiencing erratic weather patterns and natural calamities.  With the passing of 365 days (one year), we can certainly expect life and death to take place for all living things. 

For life to flourish, there's a need for food and water.  Scientists are still trying to find evidence of water in other planets.  (The Bible is silent on this matter.)  Where food is concerned, the farming or food industries are constantly in production, subject the vicissitudes of life.  Some places have plenty but others are in want.  This calls for wise management on the part of governments, not to hoard food or sell at exorbitant prices, but to ensure equitable distribution to places that are in need of them.  The principle of sharing our abundance is seen in the management of grains by Joseph in Egypt during the time of famine.  Joseph traded food for money or other collaterals in order that the people may survive.  The apostle Paul also shared this principle in 2 Cor 8:13-14, "Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality..."

Plants, animals (including insects, birds and marine creatures) and humans reproduce each day.  There is great dependency on one another to ensure the sustainablity of our ecological system.  Of course, where there's life there's also death.  Death can be attributed to the following reasons: old age, sickness, calamity or man-made.  By man-made, I would include suicides, wars, pre-meditated and unmeditated killings.  A number of personalities have passed on this year - Steve Jobs, Osama, Gaddafi, Jong Il - they may be considered good or evil depending on whom you're talking to.  Countless others have lost their lives through earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and various disasters.  Notwithstanding the many death occurrences, the earth's population is nearly 7 billion today.  Many would be born into a meaningless existence unless the good news of the gospel can be transmitted to them. 

The Bible encourages us not to grow weary in doing good - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Gal 6:9 (NIV) - because at the proper time (in God's timing) we shall see our labour bearing fruit.  Doing good can be as simple as offering a cup of water, giving an encouraging word or providing directions to those who are lost.  We can also provide food, clothing or shelter to those in need.  The greatest good we can do to mankind is not just providing for their physical needs but for their spiritual needs as well.  This is where we can provide them with the direction of life, pointing them the way to God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  We have to continually do this even though we may not see immediate results.  Let this be your goal and objective for the new year. 

Have a blessed and fruitful New Year in the Lord!