"creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 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."
Romans 8:21-23
Paul couldn't have said this any better. This observation and fact couldn't be any more true. As I look at my current surroundings in this world, I can't help but cry out with all creation for our Father in heaven to return. Whether its the war in the middle east (and many other countries), the famine in Somalia, hatred, bigotry, and especially DEATH I can't help but cry out to the LORD for these things to pass and for him to return in his glory.
As I dig deep into this passage in Romans, that Paul declares, I can't help but concede with him. In the current state of my life, this passage speaks more to me really than ever. Many family members of mine are disintegrating in their earthly bodies. More closely, I have been visiting my Grandfather who I have been close to my whole life, I can't help but examine his current state to where he was in the past. He is a very Godly man. Always praying, loving his family, friends and most importantly, his God. I sit and look back in the hospital and observe his motionless, yet restless body that lays on the hospital bed. I can't help but wonder and think of how this world cries out to the Lord they do not know. I say this especially because when I observe every individual who watches a family member pass away, they are always sad, for they know it is time for them to leave this earth.
So, why is death such a bad thing? The reason is quite simple. Death is not meant to be. Death is not the meaning, purpose and value of life, however it is the reality of where we will end up. We will all die. Why do our bodies have to perish? This is the sorrowful reality that we await in the coming of Christ Jesus, our LORD and in hopes of it pointing to him. So, how can this 'death' bring forth fingers pointing to Christ. It is an attention getter. It says that there is more to this. There is an ultimate outcome. The sin of the world is the other hand that points to a solution. As I look around the world, I observe the problems we have and they all involve mankind. While, I will not say "STOP MAN!" or "GET RID OF MAN!" But the reality is that we are the problems of the world. We are the starters of the pollution of the world. We are the ones who are greedy and store everything for ourselves. WE are the ones who go to war. We are the ones who hate and murder. WE are the cause. So, there is a solution. The creation of this world testifies. The dying universe, planet and life as we know it are crying out to God. As we sit here and wonder about this, day by day to I hope for Christ. Day by day mankind 'copes' with life. Us Christians realize this. Nothing is more satisfying. Nothing is more glorious than to be united with the one who bridges the gap to all confusion of this world. Just take a look around and look at everyone pursuing the empty dreams of a meaningless life that leads to....nowhere.
All things are vanity without you LORD. All things are meaningless. The American dream is something that comes to mind that is the epitome of vanity. What is it for? Simply to get a family, house, dog and finish the remaining years of your life in a retirement facility to waste away? That would be even if one were the 'lucky' 10% of the worlds population to be in the united states to even have the privilege of dying in a retirement home. I praise you, Oh Lord, for choosing me. I praise you for showing yourself to me. For I cannot imagine where I would be if I were born somewhere without your message of hope, never seeing the true glories of you in its full context. Thank you for enlightening me. Thank you for reveal your Son to me. The fulfilment of life. The purpose, The meaning, the one true value. Even though I am satisfied in you, I won't be done until you give me my new body you have promised. For I live in this promise:
""No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Corinthians 2:9
And I shall finish the race...
We all cry out to you...
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment