June 9, 2002
Romans 8:18-23
Part II
For
I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared
with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Little did I know when I began this study in Romans 8 that midway into this glorious chapter I would spend a week in the hospital and another week-and-a-half in the rehab wing of Mirada Hills, the hospital in which I convalesced for so many months after my stroke. Always a favorite passage, these verses have become even more pointed and personal.
For
we know the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together
until now.
. . . and Paul continues to talk about the anxious longing that the present creation is experiencing and that it looks forward, with great anticipation, for the revealing of the Sons of God (Colossians 3:4). He now connects the futility of the inanimate creation with the sovereign will of God.
For
the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him
who subjected it - - IN HOPE!
Creation will one day be liberated from its present corruption and slavery into the freedom of the glory of the children of God!
It is common knowledge among Christians that the whole created order is going through the pains of childbirth. This is something that the inanimate order inherited from the fallen human race.
• Every storm reveals this fact.
• Every natural disaster demonstrates this truth.
Nature’s destiny is inseparably linked to man’s. The pain of childbirth describes creation’s period of waiting. Creation, like a mother-to-be, travails to give birth which brings forth new life! And when man’s glory is divinely restored, the natural world will be restored as well.
Next week we will talk about how this truth affects Christians.
Eva and I want to again thank you for your prayers. A special thanks to the trio who transformed a dismal hospital room into a concert hall, giving glory to God! This coming week more tests are scheduled which will determine future treatment. God bless.
Love to you all,
Pastor Charles