This World Is Really Messed Up
The news is full of stories about “Global Warming”. Some scientists have reached the conclusion that the earth is in a drastic warming trend and that mankind is the cause of it. Christians agree with scientists who warn us that this world is in a terrible mess. Christians also agree with them that mankind is the cause of it. Secular scientists, however, do not agree with Christians as to how mankind caused this mess.
In the early chapters of Genesis you can read God’s account of how the world began. In the end of that account the Bible says that when Adam and Eve sinned against God, the whole earth was put under a curse. “Cursed is the ground because of you” Genesis 3:17. We live under this curse today and so does all the rest of creation.
If you have a garden, you know that this world is full of all kinds of enemies which can destroy your produce. Your tomatoes, for example, often rot on the vines because disease has reached them through the air, through insects, or through the ground. Driving past an orchard you can often see sprayers moving through the trees. The orchard owner is trying to stay ahead of insects and diseases that lurk around every corner.
The plants of this world hate it that they must be sprayed for their own protection. The animals of this world hate it that they must run in fear from predators. The Bible puts it this way: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning in pains of childbirth right up to the present time”
Romans 8:22
The Bible goes on to say, “ … the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” The phrase “earnest expectation” refers to the neck being stretched. Friends, the Bible tells us that the plants and animals of this world are “craning their necks” in anticipation of the day when Jesus will return. When Jesus returns the Saints of God will not only live in peace, but so will the plants and animals.
Please, never look at a wheat field again without thinking “Each blade of wheat is craning its neck looking for the Savior.” Never look at deer or rabbits the same again. When their heads pop up in fear of their surroundings, remember this: They are craning their necks in earnest anticipation of the day when they will fear no longer
“Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” Romans 8:23
I wish that I could tell you that all mankind is looking forward to Christ’s return, but that is not the case. A great many people hate the thought of Jesus Christ’s return, When it occurs, many will attempt to hide from Him, but not those described in Romans 8:23
The people described in Romans 8:23 are groaning. They are stretching their necks in earnest anticipation of their Savior’s return. It is true, one day the saints of God will join the trees of the field and “Clap their hands” with joy because the Savior has returned to lift the curse of sin.
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26
The Holy Spirit does not merely help us, but helps us in our weakest area of life. God knows that each of us has a particular weakness. Here He reminds us that whatever our weakness is, the Holy Spirit is there to help.
The Holy Spirit Intercedes for us - Face it, we do not know how to pray as we should. When sickness comes, we rush into prayer for relief. The Bible teaches us that sometimes a period of sickness is the best thing for us since it tends to make us humble and more dependent on God. Thank God we have the Holy Spirit who Himself intercedes for us and makes our prayers what they should be.
The Holy Spirit intercedes with groanings – This should remind us that although the Holy Spirit does not sin, He is very familiar with sin. In fact, the Holy Spirit is so much a part of God’s Children that He knows our sins and groans with us as we struggle against sin.
Because of The Cross; One Day All The Groaning Will come To An End
God’s earthly creation is messed up. The plants are longing for the day when they will be free from the curse of sin. Animals are “Craning Their Necks” longing for the day when they will no longer live in constant fear. God’s children are also earnestly longing for the day when sin will no longer stain their lives. That day will come. It will come because Jesus Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us Galatians 3:13
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