“Every place in creation and every one of us is really hurting and really longing with the pains of childbirth pulsating inside of us. We have the firstfruits of the Spirit inside us, so this makes us ‘pregnant with glory’. We groan inwardly and wait eagerly for the completion and fullness of our salvation—including the redemption of our bodies and all creation being made new”. (Paraphrase of Rom. 8:22-24 + Rev.21:5)
Lord Jesus, thank you. Your Word gives us the understanding and voice we otherwise would not have. We live as an aching people in a longing world. Though you don’t give us an epidural or anesthesia, you do give us yourself, the Gospel, and real hope. Hallelujah, and thank you.
These things break our hearts, fuel our ire, and intensify our birth pains: The horror of watching people and villages in Napal disappear in seconds. The idolatrous greed of American and international politics. Human trafficking is on the increase and common kindness is on the decrease. Departments of justice are becoming factories of injustice. Your church is being persecuted in the world, but in our country Christians spend more time fighting among themselves than loving our neighbors well. How long, O, Jesus?
Hasten the Day of all things new, wiped tears, and redeemed pain—the wedding Day of your every-nation Bride. Please, Jesus get back here and bring with you the promised eternity of no more sin, no more death, no more illness, and no more evil—no more knowing you in part and loving each other in part.
Thank you for not despising our consternation, despair, and impatience. Jesus, keep telling us and convincing us of this Gospel Trifecta: Love will never fail (1Cor.13:8). Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13). Grace will have the last word (Rev.22:21).
Our labors in you, with you, and for you are not in vain, Jesus. These labor pains inside us are temporary and the guarantee of the full-term delivery of the new creation world and a perfected us. Hallelujah! Soon? And So Very Amen.
