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For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:18-27)
I didn’t enjoy being in labor. It hurt. It went on and on, and the pain medicine didn’t work. The one thing that got me through it was the thought of my baby, whom I would see when the whole thing was over. That made the experience—not easier, no, but a bit more bearable.
Paul uses the image of labor and childbirth to describe our life the way it is right now. There’s no denying that our world includes a lot of pain—a lot of suffering, and a lot of groaning. And it’s not just the human world! When human beings turned away from God and ruined our lives, God allowed the rest of creation to be affected by our choice as well. And so even the plants and animals experience death and other forms of corruption, though what we did wasn’t their fault.
But that’s not the end of the story. God has chosen to save, to rescue, to remake all creation through the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Savior. Jesus has already brought salvation and life to every human being who trusts in Him; and He has promised to return on the Last Day. At that time He will finish the job for all creation. Jesus will destroy all evil and everything that causes it, and remake everything the way it should be—from our own mortal bodies to the lowliest microbe and the greatest star. This is what we are waiting for—the day when God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. … [Jesus says,] ‘Behold, I am making all things new’”(Revelation 21:4, 5b).
WE PRAY: Lord, it’s hard to bear the waiting. Please come quickly—and let us be ready for You! Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
- Were you aware that Jesus is redeeming all creation, not just human beings?
- What do you look forward to the most about Jesus’ return?
- What do you imagine the new heavens and new earth will be like?
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