When David Knight met and fell in love with Tiffany, he was intrigued by her world of water.
As a hydrogeologist, she works with issues relating to ground water of which he knew next to nothing.
So, as a teacher and pastor, David began to investigate the theme of water in the Bible.
To his surprise, water seemed to be everywhere from the first chapter of Genesis to the last chapter of Revelation and a significant theme of spiritual thirst and satisfaction threaded through it.
David began writing devotionals about water based on these biblical stories – the parting of the Red Sea, Moses striking the rock, Jesus walking on water, and so many more.
He came to appreciate more and more the gift of water as a natural resource and the wisdom and generosity of God as Creator, Artist and Provider and the unique role of Jesus as the Living Water.
Water also seemed to be a powerful metaphor that provides wisdom.
Over time, David revised and edited these devotionals to compile as a single book.
And, Downstream from Eden was born.
With over 400 scripture references, David hopes it’s a useful resource and reference book for church leaders, that it enriches and stimulates a deeper appreciation of God as Creator and our calling to creation care and stewardship of the Earth.
If we don’t talk about environmental stewardship, we are bypassing a whole generation,” says David.
It’s an issue that the church cannot be ignorant of or silent about.
And once we educate ourselves about environmental issues, we need to act accordingly.
Included in the book is a “Manifesto for Action” – 10 disciplines that help align our behaviour with our beliefs.
Things like reverence, gratitude, responsive stewardship, generosity, and so on.
About 10 years ago, David was part of the Lausanne Global Consultation on Creation Care and the Gospel.
Two major convictions arose from those discussions – that the environmental crisis is urgent and that creation care is indeed a gospel issue.
Articulated in the document “Creation Care and the Gospel: Jamaican Call to Action,” is an intentional call for Christian leaders to consider.
For more information, please read it in full here: https://lausanne.org/content/statement/creation-care-call-to-action
What was clear in my conversation with David was this:
That nodding and sighing when environmental issues are raised are not enough.
Our response needs to go beyond mental assent.
Instead, actions must accompany our words.
May we hear and do well, as the Spirit of God leads and directs.
Learn more at downstreamfromeden.com
Story from VMC Church Leader News Jul/Aug 2023