Springs of Living Water

Since 2012, I have been deeply involved with communities in Manicaland, Zimbabwe, that are grappling with severe climate impacts, mostly working on reforestation, food security, climate-smart agriculture, and climate change adaptation. Residents of Marange have faced relentless droughts since the 1980s, even before climate change was widely recognized. In Chipinge and Chimanimani, devastating cyclones strike annually, causing destruction valued at up to $700 million each year. Despite their minimal contribution to climate change—living modestly with low carbon emissions—these communities bear the brunt of its effects, including food insecurity, poverty, and displacement.

These conditions force families into dire situations: children drop out of school due to financial strain, and families marry off young daughters to survive. Migration, often involving men and youths, leaves women—who are primary caregivers—struggling with harsh conditions as they cannot leave their dependents behind.

A year ago, marking the fifth anniversary of Cyclone Idai, the most devastating cyclone in the region, we heard from women who recounted their traumatic experiences. They spoke of homes destroyed, children lost to floodwaters, and the anguish of mass graves for cyclone victims. They described the heartache of finding loved ones’ bodies washed ashore in Mozambique, unable to bury them and find closure.

In this context, Revelation 7:9-17 offers a powerful vision of hope and redemption, directly connected to the quest for ecological justice. The passage envisions a diverse multitude before God’s throne, liberated from suffering, hunger, and harsh environmental conditions. This vision aligns with the promise of relief and protection from adversity, emphasizing the need to address environmental degradation and climate change responsibly.

Revelation 7:16-17 (NIV)[1] promises that “never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat.” This assurance of relief resonates with the struggles faced by these African communities, highlighting the ethical imperative for those in wealthier, high-carbon-emission societies to mitigate their environmental impact. The vision underscores our collective responsibility to work toward ecological justice, ensuring that all communities can experience the promise of restoration described in Revelation.

The passage also depicts a diverse community of every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before God, symbolizing inclusivity and unity. The “white robes” signify purity and victory over adversity (Revelation 7:14), tying in to the pursuit of racial and ecological justice. This imagery invites us to confront disparities where affluent nations contribute significantly to climate change while impoverished communities suffer disproportionately. Addressing these inequalities involves recognizing the interconnectedness of racial and ecological justice with striving to rectify the injustices faced by vulnerable communities.

Revelation’s depiction of hymns challenging imperial claims calls for resistance against oppressive systems and advocacy for justice. In the climate context, this means opposing practices that contribute to environmental harm and promoting sustainable living. It invites congregations to challenge excessive carbon emissions and unsustainable resource exploitation, advocating for systemic changes that support environmental sustainability. We are all connected in the body of Christ, a body of beings Jesus calls to himself for relationships of deep and authentic love, true to the core (John 10:27–28). We cannot believe in Christ without believing and living into the interconnectedness that Christ reveals to us. Our actions–and inactions–affect more than ourselves alone. As Jesus points out to his friends that he and his Abba “are one” (10:30), when we live into Christ, we too become one within the heart of their imperishable relation.

The Revelation passage’s use of palm branches evokes the Feast of Tabernacles, commemorating the Israelites’ wilderness journey (Leviticus 23:40-43). This imagery of a new Exodus suggests not just physical liberation but ecological liberation. Applying this vision today means advocating for an ecological redemption that addresses the suffering caused by environmental neglect and ensures communities are not left in hardship. Revelation 7:17 offers hope amid adversity, assuring that God's judgment is tempered with mercy and protection. This promise can inspire perseverance in the pursuit of environmental justice. Despite the severe impacts of climate change on communities in Africa, this vision provides hope for eventual relief and restoration.

Revelation 7:9-17 provides a vision of hope and redemption that can guide efforts toward ecological and racial justice. By reflecting on this passage in the context of climate change, we understand the importance of global solidarity in addressing environmental issues and supporting affected communities. Major contributors to climate change have a responsibility to alter their lifestyles and advocate for systemic changes that align with the promise of restoration and justice described in Revelation.

SERMON ILLUSTRATIONS/CALL TO ACTION

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1. Scripture Connections

The Parable of the Lost Sheep: Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one that is lost (Luke 15:3-7). Just as the shepherd cares deeply for each sheep, we are called to care for those suffering due to climate change. This illustrates the importance of addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, even if it requires significant effort and resources. In this context, the "lost sheep" are the communities in Manicaland and similar regions that face extreme climate impacts despite contributing minimally to the problem.

The Story of the Good Samaritan: In the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), a Samaritan helps a wounded man others have ignored. This story underscores the call to show compassion and provide aid, regardless of the recipient's background. It serves as a reminder to support communities suffering from climate change, highlighting our responsibility to be "neighbors" to those in distress, irrespective of geographic or social boundaries.

2. Call to Action: Global Actions to Address Ecological Injustice

Ecological injustice is a pressing global challenge that demands coordinated action from both the Global North and Global South. Both regions have distinct roles in collaborating to address the impacts and adapt effectively. By working together, they can more effectively tackle ecological injustice.

For the Global North:

• Promote Environmental Inclusivity: The Global North, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, should lead by supporting international policies and initiatives that address ecological injustice. This includes advocating for equitable solutions that consider the needs of vulnerable communities worldwide, ensuring that environmental action is inclusive and addresses disparities.
• Practice Sustainable Living: Integrate sustainable practices into daily life by reducing carbon footprints through sourcing cleaner energy, improving energy efficiency, minimizing waste, decreasing meat consumption, supporting regenerative agriculture, and buying eco-friendly products.
• Engage in Advocacy and Policy Change: Mobilize support for systemic changes to combat ecological injustice. This includes advocating for policies that enhance climate adaptation and resilience, supporting international agreements, and pushing for laws that reduce emissions and promote sustainability.
• Support and Volunteer for Relief Efforts: Participate in and support international relief efforts aimed at assisting communities affected by ecological injustice. This can involve fundraising, volunteering with aid organizations, and supporting resilience-building projects in affected regions.
• Foster a Culture of Compassion and Justice: Educate and raise awareness about the effects of ecological injustice and the importance of justice. Promote global interconnections and encourage actions that reflect compassionate unity and inclusivity.

For the Global South:

• Community-Based Adaptation Projects: Initiate local adaptation projects to build resilience against ecological impacts, such as community gardens, water conservation techniques, and improved soil management to better cope with environmental challenges.
• Education and Awareness: Educate local communities about ecological injustice and its effects. Host workshops and training on sustainable practices, disaster preparedness, and environmental stewardship to empower individuals and enhance community resilience.
• Advocate for Local Resources: Work with local governments and organizations to secure resources for adaptation and disaster relief. Advocate for policies and programs that address local needs and strengthen community resilience.
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Implement sustainable agricultural techniques, such as organic farming and agroforestry. Efficient water use and sustainable land management can improve food security and reduce environmental effects.
• Strengthen Community Networks: Build and reinforce local networks for mutual aid and resilience. Establish emergency response teams, share resources, and develop collective strategies to address ecological challenges.

3. Reflection Questions

• How can we as a congregation believe more deeply in Christ and respond to the suffering of communities affected by climate change, like those in Manicaland, in ways that align with Revelation’s promise of relief and restoration?
• What steps can we take to confront and address the environmental and racial injustices between affluent nations contributing to climate change and impoverished communities suffering its effects?
• How can our individual and collective actions challenge oppressive economic systems that contribute to environmental degradation?
• How does the vision of a new Exodus inspire us to advocate for ecological liberation and support communities affected by climate change?
• How can we practice sustainable living in our daily lives to reduce our carbon footprint and support policies that aid climate adaptation and resilience for vulnerable communities?

Shamiso Winnet Mupara is an environmentalist and climate justice expert from Zimbabwe. Her work is centered on climate justice and reforestation in communities in Zimbabwe, where women and children are the main beneficiaries of her projects. She envisions communities that sustainably manage their natural resources for economic development, building community resilience in the process. Her work has had a ripple effect outside Zimbabwe, including several African countries, the Middle East, USA, and United Kingdom.

[1] Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.