Saturday, December 21, 2019
Romans 8:18-24
18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 20for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen?
Eager Longing
When I was young Thanksgiving dinner with my family was quite the affair. My dad was the youngest of 5 and he and his whole family would gather at one of the sibling’s house to spend time together and share the meal. It was a time that I looked forward to as I got to see Uncle Bill. Most of my dad’s siblings lived locally so we’d see them regularly, but Uncle Bill lived in DC and the only time I’d see him was on Thanksgiving. One year, when I was about 10 Uncle Bill asked me what I wanted for Christmas and while I hadn’t put my Christmas list together, I knew exactly what I was going to ask for – a digital watch. It was relatively new technology and I, already a technology nerd, needed it. At that time, they were fairly expensive and I doubted I’d get one but, I wanted it. Imagine my shock when he said that he’d bought one for Aunt Liz (his wife) and she didn’t like it and wouldn’t wear it. He asked if I wanted it. “Of course!” I exclaimed with joy. He said great, its mine and he would send it to me when he got home. He even went so far as to say I’d have it by the following Friday.
I was so excited! I honestly didn’t think it would happen, I figured he’d forget, or Aunt Liz would say no but still I waited with anticipation for Friday to come. In Finally, the day arrived, and I ran home from school to see if a package had come for me. It hadn’t. I continued to wait and hope but the doorbell never rung. Around 5pm I resigned myself to the fact that it wasn’t coming, and I was sad. That’s when the doorbell rang and I jumped with glee. I ran to the window and was thrilled to see the UPS delivery van outside our house. I ran downstairs and my mom gave me a box that was addressed to me which I tore open. There it was – the much-anticipated watch. My mom helped me adjust the band and I put it on with excitement and glee. I loved that watch and wore it for years – I’ve never found one quite like it.
I waited with eager longing for my watch and we, along with all of creation, wait for God’s glory to be revealed in Jesus return.
Let us pray. Most Holy and Righteous God, we give you thanks for the redemptive power that you have given to us through the shedding of God’s blood and we anticipate with joy Christ’s return. In your son’s holy name, we pray. Amen
Submitted by: Rebecca Sol