Does Recycling Work?

Certainly, we should recycle, but only God can “make all things new” (Revelation 21:5 KJV). Microplastic proliferation and diminishing numbers of recycling centers is not encouraging. The great objection of the humanists has always been the raping and pillaging of the planet by unbridled capitalism. But, from the beginning, it was not so. God’s creation of man was not just to “be fruitful, and multiply” (Genesis 1:28), but to “replenish the earth” (1:28 KJV). The LORD repeated the command to Noah after the Flood (9:1). Walking gently upon the earth is not just a pagan tradition, but it was incorporated into the Mosaic law of giving the land a sabbath’s rest. “But in the seventh year you must let it [the land] lie fallow and leave it alone so that the poor of your people may eat, and what they leave any animal in the field may eat; you must do likewise with your vineyard and your olive grove” (Exodus 23:11 NET). Since the earth is not an unlimited resource, it is apparent we need Divine Intervention, not just in the End, but to maintain it in the meantime. Remember the widow’s meal flour and oil, which were miraculously replenished by the LORD (1Kings 17:14)? God will bless the individual and land, who honor Him by healing for their land that science and government regulation alone can never accomplish. “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2Chronicles 7:14). LORD, cause the focus of our hearts to be upon You, not simply upon our frail efforts to accomplish Your work. Help us to do all we can to cooperate with You, but cause us to know only You can make all things new. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.