Devotion for July 19, 2011 – Creation Groans
Photo: Dimitris Agelakis (Creative Commons license)
Today's Scripture Reading
Romans 8:19-23
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.
Today's Devotion
I am really thankful for my air-conditioning and the resources from which I may pay my electric bill. Many parts of the USA are suffering a heat wave this week. At the same time, I think about those who cannot afford a cool place to rest. People will die in this heat. I also understand that my middle-class comfort cuts me off from creation. I have some control of my personal environment quite separate from what’s going on in the larger creation. When it’s dark, I turn on my lights and keep working. When it’s cold, I turn on the heat and wear only a few layers of clothing. When the rain stops falling, I keep taking showers and drinking as much water as I care to.
Paul would connect me back to creation. The whole of creation is waiting in eager expectation for the fulfillment of God’s realm. It’s not just us humans. I am no different that the seas and the forests and the deserts in that respect. God created us, pronounced us good, and we wait confident in God’s faithfulness. Creation didn’t do anything wrong to suffer the brokenness of our current age, but it suffers like we do. It suffers like we do, and it is part of God’s promise of restoration. Even back in Genesis 9:12-13, God told Noah that the covenant remembered by a rainbow is between “every living creature.” The covenant is between God “and the earth.”
If we are to understand that God makes promises to the whole earth, not just humans; if we are to understand that creation suffers as we do; should that make a difference for how we are connected to the rest of creation?
How are you connected to creation?
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