In Christ - Pt 7

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. (Romans 8:18-25 ESV). I couldn’t leave yesterday’s reading without focusing on the concept of “the new creation.” The effects of sin in the world go far deeper than simply distorting our ability to choose well when confronted with decisions on how to live. They are broader than just the disruption of God’s relationship with humankind. The whole creation is affected by sin. Certainly Adam and Eve experienced a division between themselves that they had not known before they fell; they also experienced a separation from the God who made them. But even that isn’t the whole story. Human disobedience also triggered a curse on creation. “Cursed is the ground because of you,” God declared (cf. Genesis 3:17). I have heard of some who genuinely believe that what presently have in our world is what we will have in heaven, maybe just a little “shinier.” Mary and I are fortunate to have two vehicles. I drive a 2003 Tahoe with 245,000 miles on it; Mary drives a 2016 Rav4 with 1,500 miles on it right now. Obviously, they both are in working condition. We drive them every day. However, can I tell you there’s a world of difference between the two? Immediately you would say, “One is old and one is new.” However, the differences goes beyond their age. The Tahoe has been worn with use, while the Rav4 is still in that “breaking in” stage. Our world is like that in many ways. Since the beginning of time and the sin of man invaded God’s creation, our world has been “worn” with use. For the most part it still works, but not as it was intended, nor as it did when God created it. God has not abandoned his plan for creation. He will redeem it as well as man. Paul says that since the fall “the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth” (v. 22). That groaning is not in vain, though, because God intends to bring a new creation to birth. That’s why when John peered past time into eternity he saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” and heard Jesus declare, “Behold, I am making all things new” (cf. Revelation 21:1, 5). Creation, once declared “good” by God in the beginning, will experience the full redemption of God in the end. God’s redemptive purposes for the world include us but are so much bigger and broader and better. What a glorious God we have!