Thoughts From Romans 8 - Part 5

 whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.23 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. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.26 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. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. Rom.8:22-28

    A whole lot of groaning going on, here. Creation is groaning because it’s shifting, shaking, cracking,eroding, and kudzu and poison oak is overtaking it. Since we are animating creation in this way, we can also imagine it’s mind saying,” hang in there; it will soon be over and we will be back to our pre-sin, garden of Eden form.”

    Also, we who are believers groan because the suffering we are going through, we know intuitively that we aren’t meant for this but if we can just hang in there it will all be better like it was in the garden of Eden before sin. It’s interesting the reference to childbirth and labor because we know before sin that this process was done without suffering.

    Lastly the Spirit is said to be groaning prayers on our behalf to the Father. Why groans and what kind of prayers. The Spirit must be groaning in the same way Jesus groaned coming down from the mountain of transfiguration where he met with the Father, Moses, and Elijahand then experienced the total lack of faith of his followers. He groaned, “How long shall I stay here and put up with you?” The Spirit is inhabiting sinful bodies who are praying for earthly things and He must be groaning,”What you just prayed for isn’t going to work out for your good. Father, here is what they really need.” Imagine if God had given you everything you asked for, how messed up you would be, The Spirit knows what you need and intercedes accordingly.

     I groan a lot at the age of 70 but unfortunately my Godly groaning is far surpassed by my aches and pains groaning. May I long much for for a new heavenly body and to be free from this cursed world.