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Romans 8:22-26
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 firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, 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 they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
New International Version (NIV)
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If you have ever seen Mount Everest, you do not confuse it with any other mountain. No use talking about the foothills when you stand at the summit. We love the whole topography of scripture, but when we come to this chapter we realize we have summited the pinnacle. Paul begins the chapter with no condemnation and ends with no separation from the love of God.
Here Paul asks and answers the deepest questions of our lives. Is there a power which will enable us to escape our guilt? How does the Spirit work in our lives? What do we do about our sufferings? Paul addresses the groaning of the entire creation in childbirth as it awaits the children of God to be revealed. The broken world groans, echoing across the rocky soil. Can we hear it in these days of pandemic and prejudice? If we listen for long we can match pitch with the groaning of the created world. We, too, are broken. Thank God we do not groan alone. The Spirit helps us in our weakness praying for us with wordless groans. The world groans, we groan and God groans with us in prayer.
Not everything that happens to us is good. But God is. Good. He works all things together for good for those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. In the great work of conforming us to Jesus, God wastes nothing. Whatever may come our way today, we know this for certain: God is working in it to make us like his Son. Climb a little higher. Looking back, we face no condemnation for the mistakes of the past. Turn around. Looking up, we find no separation from his undying love. See yourself as God sees you. Look at this mountaintop in wonder. It stands unequaled and unparalleled in all the world.
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Pray with me:
Father, as we groan today for our broken world, we hear the very world itself groaning. In this valley of suffering and tears, we are spiritually speechless. Then we hear another groaning of your Spirit praying for us, interceding for us. Grant us a glimpse of your glory we pray. We have been to the mountaintop. Remind us again that nothing will ever separate us from your love, revealed perfectly in your Son, Jesus. In his name we pray. Amen.
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Join us in memorizing the Word. Scripture for this week:
Matthew 5:47-48
And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
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| Our 2020 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG
We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week. In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter (also found at REPLICATE.ORG). Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.
Joyfully,
Duane
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