We live in a broken world. This is not at all hard to see. As I write, our nation is being dramatically impacted by the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the accompanying panic. This week I have heard from dear friends and family members of great loss and dramatic medical problems. And a look at the news shows us ugly crimes and great human sinfulness. Yes, the world is broken.
God’s word has never once pretended that our world and our human nature is not fallen. Nor has the Bible ever pretended that this condition is not painful. The creation and humanity both long for a day when what is wrong will be put right.
Romans 8:18-25 – 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 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. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
When Paul wrote here to the church in Rome, he pointed out the fact that all around us is imperfect. Creation groans. The natural order around us shows the signs of the curse of God that came upon the world because of the rebellion of mankind. When Adam sinned, he broke the universe. Do not misunderstand me. Adam did not override the plan of God or somehow make it so that God is not in control of the universe now. But Adam brought all the natural hardships we now face into existence because of his refusal to follow the Lord. And, before you blame Adam, also remember that he is our perfect representative, and you and I sinned in Adam as our representative.
Paul also says that our very bodies groan along with creation. Death is part of the human experience. Disease is part of the human experience. Confusion as to how our bodies are to function is now part of the human experience. Sinful desires are now a part of the human experience. And all this is directly traceable to the fall of man in the garden.
If God left creation like this, we would be helpless and hopeless. And, if God left things without hope, he would be treating us all as we deserve. But, thanks be to God, he has chosen to give us hope. Creation groans, longing for restoration. Humanity cries out, looking toward a future when God will fix what is broken. And all this is based, not on wishful thinking, but on the promise of God to grant us resurrection bodies, a new heavens, and a new earth.
Hope, in biblical understanding, is not a wish that may or may not come true. Hope is a certainty which we cannot see yet. We have hope in the resurrection. Jesus is alive. He promises that all who die under his grace will rise to eternal life. This is a sure thing. Nothing can ever stop it. But it is a thing we await with hope, because we cannot physically see it right now. And we also hope in the renewal of creation in just the same way.
Pastor Travis Peterson 