Creation - Subjected and Redeemed

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:18-24

This passage is worthy of reading without comment, although I will comment briefly. I find it to be full of beauty and hope without delving into the Greek grammar or adding commentary and explanation. It is a now and then passage. It sets before us the present reality and the future hope. There is pain and promise, sickness and healing, death, and life in Paul’s words.

Here we see creation is joined in with the people of God in Christ’s work of redemption. Creation suffers and groans with us. It hopes and waits with the people of God. God intends to redeem, not only His people but his creation as well. Man fell and was corrupted by sin, but his corruption spread like cancer. The curse came not only upon humanity but also upon the planet upon which man dwells. The lions and tigers and bears, the birds and bees and trees, the perch and penguins and pansies all suffer under the curse.

There is a glory that is to be revealed. We wait patiently for it. Creation stands by the side of the children of God, leaning forward, peering into the future with eagerness and longing. We know, the created order knows. It is coming. He is coming. And our present suffering won’t hold a candle to that future glory.