All Nature Anticipates God’s Liberation Day
Daily Scripture
Romans 8:19-22
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.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
For much of human history, most people thought of the earth as “a given,” assuming that the air or the rivers and lakes would remain clean no matter what we put into them. But 2000 years ago, the apostle Paul understood that not just human beings but “the whole creation” was suffering from the effects of departing from God’s path. Yet he didn’t write in despair. His phrase “breathless with anticipation” was “a dramatic image of hope.” *
- Economic and political factors have created heated debates about the causes of more intense storms (like the flooding in Texas) or the disastrous wildfires in many parts of the world. But no matter how you understand the causes, it’s hard to deny that these conditions and others fit Paul’s view that not just people, but “the whole creation is groaning together.” How can God’s people be actively involved in relieving the suffering, animal as well as human, in our world?
- Paul’s hope drew on the long history of God’s actions for God’s people. “As God had liberated his children from slavery in the exodus, leading them by a cloud of glory…so God would in the future liberate his children most fully and with them all creation.” ** One regular theme in the Bible, especially in Jesus’ story, is that of setting captives free. In what particular ways does it appeal to you to imagine not just yourself, but all of creation, “set free” by the power of God’s love?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to care about your creation the way you do. Show me how I can better care for your world and help me encourage the people in my life to do the same. Amen.
GPS Insights
Mason Shubkagel
Mason Shubkagel, currently serving as a summer intern for Matthew's Ministry, wrote today's Insights. Mason is going into his sophomore year at Taylor University, where he is pursuing Special Education and playing lacrosse.
Our Earth is in pain, and recently we have been devastated by disasters. When I first read Paul’s words that “the whole creation is groaning together” it stood out to me. It is easy for us to feel pain or hurt, but we aren’t left in despair.
We are pointed to a kind of hope. We are pointed to a hope that doesn’t ignore suffering and sees beyond it. This is something I
struggle with as a child of God, and I can see many others do as well. We aren’t called to just ignore the suffering, that wouldn’t be practical. But we can’t solely focus on the suffering, and have to place our trust in God when he promises that he isn’t finished with this world.
All of creation, not just individuals, are waiting to be set free. When you are doubting God’s love I challenge you to take this view point to see how big it truly is. His love is big enough to redeem rivers and rainforests, the birds and bees, and the oceans and mountains. How powerful is this?
We need to understand and live in a way that reflects this hope. Be a part of the healing, and not the hurting. Remember that even during the groaning, God is at work. He is bringing a new life not just for you, but all of creation.
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Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* Michael J. Gorman, study note on Romans 8:19-21 in The CEB Study Bible. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2013, p. 289 NT.
** Craig Keener, comment on Matthew 15:27 in NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, eBook (p. 10377). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
