18 I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 The whole creation waits breathless with anticipation for the revelation of God’s sons and daughters. 20 Creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice—it was the choice of the one who subjected it—but in the hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from slavery to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now. 23 And it’s not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. 24 We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see?
Reflection
There are two scripture passages that are frequently used during Pentecost, the season of the Church that began with worship this past Sunday. Today’s verse from Romans 8 is one and the other is from Acts 2. Both highlight the Holy Spirit but with different focuses. Acts 2 was our scripture reading on Sunday morning and it describes the dramatic, historical outpouring of the Spirit for outward mission and evangelism. Romans 8, our passage for today, explores the inward, daily reality of the Spirit, guiding believers through suffering and assuring them of their adoption as children of God. This passage offers the promise and the hope we all have to become One with the Spirit.
Through the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, God in Christ became available to every believer. This passage in Romans offers every Christian firsthand experience with God in Christ. From Pentecost on, the good news was not held only by a select few who had been with Jesus. Now everyone could experience that touch of Jesus’ hand. No Christian need ever walk alone, for now everyone could be assured that God is/was/will be present with every believer who chooses to accept this holy presence.
My first encounter with this passage may have been in Spring 1977. As newlywed young adults my spouse and I had begun attending the local United Methodist Church and leading the Youth Sunday School. As we awaited the birth of our first child, I pondered this verse (Romans 8:19) which spoke to me as an expectant mother. We had been married in 1973, entered the work force, re-located three times and we were ready to “settle down” and “raise a family.” As the months passed, visible signs of pregnancy began to show, and our first born child arrived two weeks early. SURPRISE! We were in the midst of renovating our home and not ready for this little guy to join our family. I felt as if “the whole creation (was) groaning together” (as I was) suffering labor pains…” (verse 8:22) As we quickly learned, we make plans and God laughs.
by Kathleen Stolz
For Pondering and Prayer
We now have three grown children and four wonderful grandchildren with which to celebrate life and to face the reality that is God’s creation. I have both concern and confidence in the future of God’s creation. As our family grows, we witness the gifts and graces of each of those human beings. Every birth has been a unique promise for tomorrow. It is my belief that our grandchildren and countless other people around the world are the PROMISE of God that there is a FUTURE for God’s CREATION. As I look into their eyes, listen to them dream, and hear them describe the world they imagine, I see the face of a Spirit-filled person filled with possibilities for a bright tomorrow. That future, that of our future generations, resides within each and every segment of God’s Creation. God’s Spirit is our hope and promise for tomorrow.
It is easy to dwell in hopelessness today, especially when one listens to the news. What
gives you hope and promise for God’s Creation to flourish and grow tomorrow?
Prayer: Great Spirit, we give thanks for the gifts and graces you have planted among your
children, and for the communities of faith who nurture them. May your Spirit strengthen all your children so that they grow in wisdom and in stature, as did your child, Jesus. Amen.
