October 9, 2024

“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” (Romans 8:19)

This verse begins with the word “for. ” That means that this phrase is providing an explanation for what came before it. But when you look back at verse 18, you will notice that it begins with the word “for” also. That means that you have to go back to the previous sentence which begins in verse 16. The entire chapter of Romans 8 has many “fors” because it is explaining so many things, one of which is the relationship between suffering to sanctification and sanctification to glory.

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:16-17)

Suffering. We are right to seek to avoid it unless our attempts at avoidance are sinful. No one wants to suffer. But at the same time believers are called to this. According to v.17, suffering with Christ (bearing the reproach that comes from being associated closely with him) is an evidence that enables us to embrace the ministry of the Spirit who is leading us into assurance that our suffering is not random or pointless. That is so good to know if you are in the pathway of a hurricane or facing the scalpel of a surgeon.

Right now Hurricane Milton is aiming at Florida’s west coast. I think everyone in Michigan knows someone in Florida. These natural disasters are in a sense, not natural. That is, they are not how the created order was intended to operate. In v.22, we read that "the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. ” This world is creaking and groaning as it labors under a curse that is not of its own making. Some are seeking to link the intensity of hurricanes with rising ocean water temperatures as evidence of man-made climate change. They are right, but I doubt in the way they imagined.

Adam was the original steward and earthly ruler of the created order. He ruled under THE RULER, and when he rebelled, everything under him has paid the price. Paradise was lost, for a time. The creation groans now, as it waits to “be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” (v.21) Creation does not like to produce hurricanes, but it does because it is groaning as it feels the consequences of its stewards who are out of order with the Creator. When Cain killed Abel, God told Cain that the “voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.” (Genesis 4:10-11)

There is a direct relationship between the sins of humanity and the cursing of the ground which, in a sense is rebelling against us, its rebellious stewards. This earth is sick and tired of how humans have lived for thousands of years. This earth wants to show off its God intended glory without living under the curse that it was placed under by our sin. One day, it will shine! One day, the imposter rulers will be dethroned and the King of Kings will take his place. The 2nd Adam, and rightful Ruler will make all things right and on that day, creation will sing and shine and show off. There will be no more hurricanes, or cancer, or wars. Suffering will become a long lost memory, banished from the new heavens and new earth, forever. That is why “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that it is to be revealed to us.” (v.18) Suffering now, glory later. Suffering now, while real, cannot hold a candle to the intensity of the glory that is coming.

Your Kingdom come, your will be done. I can’t wait. You?

Grace and peace,

Bob

Sunday’s text: Luke 9:23-27 (notice the “fors” in that text too)