Living in a Groaning World
0 comments | Posted by Steven Layson on 06 Jun 2010 in From Steve's Study ::
We’ve been reminded again this week of the many problems that face our world today. Whether it’s soldiers boarding enemy ships near Gaza, mosques being bombed in Pakistan or riots in Thailand, there doesn’t seem to be an end to the misery we can inflict on each other. Add to this the pain that can be caused by natural disaster such as hurricanes, bushfires, floods and earthquakes, & the world can seem a very dangerous place to live!
The Apostle Paul is certainly “right on the money” when he says that “the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time”. (Rom 8:22) Nothing much has changed since his time, clearly!
However, in the midst of a world gone wrong, Paul is able to write some of the most beautiful passages of scripture:
- “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (8:18) – he realized that though this life is sometimes hard, the glory of our eternal home will certainly make us forget any difficulties we’ve experienced.
- “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes” (8:28) – even though it might be hard to see it sometimes, we can trust that God knows what is best for us and he can even use great disasters to bring about our ultimate good.
- “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (8:38,9) – what a glorious expression of trust and assurance! Think of the extent Jesus went to, to rescue us from sin and death… certainly he will not let this incredible sacrifice go to waste. He will always hold us close to him.
Paul was no “starry-eyed dreamer”. He knew what it was to suffer (probably much more than we’ll ever know). And yet he also knew the great comfort and joy, peace and assurance that faith in Jesus brings. In the midst of our own sufferings, let’s always cling to that same Saviour, who will bring us that same comfort, joy, peace and assurance.
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