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“FOR EVERY BEAST OF THE FOREST IS MINE, THE CATTLE ON A THOUSAND HILLS. I KNOW ALL THE BIRDS OF THE AIR, AND ALL THAT MOVES IN THE FIELD IS MINE.” — Psalm 50:10-11 |
Wealth in the ancient world was measured by the size of a person’s flocks and herds. Animals were a symbol of success.
How shocking then for God to say: “Every beast. The cattle on a thousand hills. All the birds. All that moves in the field. Mine.”
‘All, Lord?’ we wonder. ‘How about a percentage?’ we bargain.
‘All,’ repeats the Lord. No debate. No negotiation. The God of the Bible boldly declares ownership over all wealth.
When Jesus arrived, he had a surprisingly casual relationship with other people’s pigs and property. On the night he needed a donkey, Jesus didn’t ask permission to borrow one, but simply said to his disciples, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.”
‘But surely the donkey belonged to someone?’ you object. ‘It must have had an owner!’
It did. For just one night that donkey’s owner rode it like a king into Jerusalem, while shouts of “Hosanna” filled it’s furry ears.
How much happier we would be to see all our wealth and possessions as donkeys in the Lord’s service, prepared for their moment of usefulness. What if our upper rooms were ready for more passover dinners and our tables hosted more worshipful feasts? What if our jars of perfume were free to be broken, if only to anoint our Lord with the sweet smell of worship? And what if our linens could wrap his body and our spices prepare him for burial?
Would yours be offered?
Too often we’re offended when a disciple of Jesus requests our donkey or requires our room. How quickly we forget that our gracious God gives to us that we might have something to offer back to him. All is for your glory, Lord.
It’s always been his, the cattle on a thousand hills and the hills themselves. The birds of the air and the skies they soar through. Everything that moves in the field, plus every field. God owns it all.
Heavenly Father, forgive us for believing our wealth and possessions are ours. Forgive us for holding on so tightly. We now offer them all back to you. Thank you for trusting us with the stewardship of your resources. Ask us for anything, if only we might play a small part in your story.
© 2025 John Rinehart
