Written by Paul Lane
The Word
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. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:18-25
Reflection
I think Paul reaches a poetic note in this passage. This makes sense to me because he is talking about heaven and the ultimate purpose of man, as in Genesis 2. Who are we to be? And how are we to be? Those are two questions that come to mind as I work through this passage. Paul is asking us to look past our current situation and look to God’s ultimate plan. His plan for mankind, and His plan for us as individuals. He compares the “suffering of this present time” with this “glory that is to be revealed to us” (v18) by saying that they are so different that they can not be compared.
He also talks about how God’s plan is not something intended to be fulfilled in a corner. It is all of creation watching, for they wait eagerly to see it played out. Yes, the life private is precious to God, and it is where we find intimacy with Him and can build up the inner person. But there is also the life public which, not only God, but God and everybody are watching. This life is the result of the life private. Plant well your intimacy with God in your life private, then, and only then, will all things work together for the good of those who love God and who are called to His purposes (Romans 8:28).
Application
Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. Why did I come? Do I really live my life as a Genesis 2 Christian? Do I bare the image of God as Christ intended? I know that I don’t all the time, but sometimes I wonder if I do at all. If I were one of the blind people coming to Jesus, would I be smart enough to ask that my eyes be opened, or would I stammer and only ask for a single meal which leaves me hungry again? I have a wonderful imagination, which is what is needed to take in the glory that awaits us and that is showered on us every day. But I fall short of seeing His plan, as it comes. I only know that which has happened in the day. But when I look back, I can see the outlines and traces of God’s thoughts, plans, and intentions.
I see broken dreams, regretful thoughts and acts, and awfulness that need not be. But I also see the most wonderful hand holding me above all the brokenness. And I see the broken pieces being knit together into a tapestry of truth, and covered by the blood of Christ. And so, this is how the image is borne on shoulders of the unworthy, made worthy, and how we are fed through open eyes for a lifetime.
Prayer
Lord, open our eyes, I pray. Not just for a meal, a moment, or just a day.
Father, open our hearts. Teach us Your ways, Your intensions, Your thoughts.
Jesus, open our minds. Lead us in Your path, Your truth, and to be Your kind.
Amen.
City Life Starter 
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