Verse of the Day 8/26

Romans 8:22-23  For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. ²³ And not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

For the next several days, Lord willing, we'll take a look at some verses in Romans 8 which revolve around a few words.  Today's verses start out with "we know", we'll look at a couple of these and Paul's "I am sure" in verse 38.  We'll also take a look at "all things" which is spoken of 3 times in this wonderful chapter.

We considered the other day what it means to be "adopted" as children of God.  Today's verses bring the reality that while we are children, we still may suffer from and struggle with sin.  We may show evidences of God's grace and power in our lives, but we are a work in process and hopefully, progress.  Even so "we know" certain things.  We know that He is at work in our lives, that He cares for us, loves us, and that He is in control.  While that is the case we still see turmoil in our lives, our personal relationships and we sit it in the world around us, turmoil in our cities, our country, and in the middle east.  We realize that the world needs Jesus.  In all of this, our hearts may groan, longing for that day when His Kingdom will be established forever and evil is done away with.

The old hymn "I Know Whom I Have Believed" speaks of some things that we don't know and declares that which we are sure of if we are God's children.  The Message paraphrase of this passage states that "the Spirit of God is arousing us within".  I think that this hymn gives a good indication of just what this may look like.

I know not why God's wondrous grace    to me he hath made known,    nor why, unworthy, Christ in love    redeemed me for his own.   Refrain:     2. I know not how this saving faith    to me he did impart,    nor how believing in his word    wrought peace within my heart.      3. I know not how the Spirit moves,   convincing us of sin,    revealing Jesus through the word,    creating faith in him.     4. I know not when my Lord may come,    at night or noonday fair,    nor if I walk the vale with him,    or meet him in the air. 

But I know whom I have believed,    and am persuaded that he is able    to keep that which I've committed   unto him against that day.

In Christ,
Mike

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Romans 8:21-25

The Message (MSG)

^18-21 That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what's coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.

^22-25 All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.