Where Have All the Animals Gone?

The World Wildlife Fund recently reported that “The world populations of fish, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles fell overall by 52 percent between 1970 and 2010, far faster than previously thought” (Reuters, September 29, 2014). Two major reasons cited for the dramatic drop in animal numbers are loss of natural habitat and exploitation from over-hunting and over-fishing (ibid.).  

When God placed human beings in the Garden of Eden, they were given “dominion” over the earth and told “to dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 1:28; 2:15, KJV). It was God’s intent that human beings should be good stewards over His creation. However, mankind has not been a “good steward” but, instead, human beings have exploited and destroyed the environment and its creatures to the point where “the whole creation groans and labors” as it “eagerly waits” for the time when Jesus Christ and His saints will rule and replenish the earth (Romans 8:19-22). Today, the earth and its creatures cry out for godly stewardship and wise management—and a time when exploitation and destruction will cease. This future time is pictured by the annual Feast of Tabernacles described in the Bible (Leviticus 23:34-44)—a time of peace and abundance when even the wild beasts will be tame (Isaiah 11:6-9).

For more information on this wonderful time, be sure to read our exciting booklet The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?