Romans 8: 18-25
I consider that our present sufferings are not worthy to compare with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
A Thought
In this passage I’m reminded that when Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden the penalty of sin was passed on to all generations of mankind. In Genesis 3 we also learn that decay was also given to all creation. We as believers have received the first fruit of the Spirit which is the gift of salvation made possible by the blood of Jesus the Christ. Now the creation eagerly awaits to be restored back to its original perfect state when the sons of God will be raised in full redemption with a new body as heirs with Jesus the Son of God. Today we must have faith and patiently hold on to this hope that Christ has provided to us until we are fully restored with God our Heavenly Father.
Our Prayer
Father help us to hold to the truth of your word, growing in faith with the hope of receiving your glory in the new heavens and earth. Thank you that you have provided all that we need to be able to stand firm in faith whether we face percussion or sufferings. We know that your grace is sufficient. Guide us by your Holy Spirit as we wait patiently in hope of our eternal life with you. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
