Encouragement and Hope

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Scripture: Romans 8:18-21 (ESV)

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Devotion:

            Paul is writing here to encourage the Roman believers and give them hope. We need this same hope in our lives today. The good news is that the hope Paul offers the original hearers of this word and the hope we need in the present is fulfilled in these words. The present sufferings we suffer, and the glory Jesus came to bring are for God’s people today. The Son of God has been revealed through the death, resurrection, and glorification of Jesus Christ.

            The knowledge of this realized hope is that we Christians have already been redeemed and will go on to glory through the finished work of Jesus in His passion. This creation no longer has any demands to make of us. We are to steward creation wisely until God comes again to set up His literal physical kingdom on earth. In the in-between times, we find ourselves living, we are to act as if that glorified kingdom were already an objective truth here on earth.

            Christians know that we are not perfect representatives of the kingdom to come. However, we must realize that we are part of that kingdom here and now. Despite all the trials, trouble, and tribulations in this world, we are given authority over all creation. To use a phrase from Genesis, we are to “till and keep the garden.” That command has never ceased to be in effect. Even the fall and its aftermath did nothing to change the relationship between humans and creation except to make keeping the earth more difficult.

            We should rejoice and be thankful for what Jesus accomplished by His life, death, and resurrection. We have received our freedom from bondage to sin and death. Even though our bodies become less and less dependable, we can rejoice that our treasure laid up in heaven is secure. In fact, living for Christ increases that treasure no matter what happens to us in our physical bodies. Humans and all the rest of creation can bask in the glory of God’s ultimate victory on this earth.

Prayer:

            Lord, thank you for our liberation in the saving work of Jesus Christ. We give you all the praise and glory because of the wonderful salvation you have already provided humankind. Let us keep our part of the bargain and faithfully care for the earth and all creation that shares in the life you have given us in creation. May we be faithful to the task you have given us. Lord, help us celebrate the good works you do in your world today. Amen

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