The Groans of Creation
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 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. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:19-23
We read and discuss a chapter or two of the Bible to our children before bed each night. Tonight, just before we began to read, someone I love was caught in the deceit of the flesh and dishonesty. It was not anything terrible, but it still grieved my heart because I know the integrity they are called to walk in. As we picked up in Romans where we had left off last night, I began to see and feel the Father's heart for His children as He watches them give in to the flesh over and over, not living by the spirit, but living for fleshly desires.
Suddenly, it was as if I was looking into every home in my neighborhood and watching people give in to the flesh by rote. Drinking, acting in anger and rage, turning to pleasures that destroy, choosing comfort over good, and so much more. It has happened so many times, they have put off the still small voice that says to live by righteousness instead that they no longer even hear it. Some were believers, others were not.
Then I turned and I saw creation crying out, in great pangs of agony, as it longed to be free from the corruption that bound it so tightly. It was as if it curled into the fetal position, arms pulled in tight and fists to its chest as it cried out. I could hear it saying, “Rise up! Rise up, Children! Realize who you are! Step into the authority of your inheritance!”
The ground was trembling. I saw the blood that had been spilled on the ground and then it cried out all the more. Desperation was on it’s face as it wondered, “when will they be revealed. When will the sons and daughters rise up?!”
The agony and groans have gone on for too long, drowned out and ignored by what is comfortable rather than what is good.
A life lived in the flesh is hostile towards the Father, yet even in the rejection, He extends His hand, He is near just waiting for His sons and daughters to receive His love and to rise up to who He created them to be; Lovers of the King with power and authority to set lands and people free from bondage and corruption. Fearless conquerors who set forth to see the Kingdom’s continued advancement into all nations and all parts of creation. Children who know that no matter where they go, His love will follow them to all corners, even-and especially, in their weakness.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39
As the sons of God are revealed, we will walk into the promise of Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
I encourage you today to let all of creation know who you are by your words, thoughts, and actions. Walk in the identity of a child of God, a chosen people, a royal priest, a saint, God’s special possession, an heir with Christ and so much more!