Not only [is all creation groaning under its bondage to decay], but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our bodies.
Life can be very difficult at times. Anyone who has lived long knows this. At the same time, even our worst nightmares are staging periods for our great redemption. Our loneliest moments are the waiting room for our final adoption into the very presence the King of Ages. With the Spirit living inside us, we are assured of the ultimate destination of our lives, our Abba Father in our forever home! No matter where the current scene in life's drama places us, let's live as those who are assured of their final destination. We are not of those who have no hope, those who have made their home and placed all their hope in what is present in the here-and-now reality of our decaying universe. For us, however, our best days lie ahead with a new heavens and new earth with God, forever.
Video Commentary...
We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:
Almighty and faithful God, our loving Abba Father, bless us with courage today to face whatever obstacles lie ahead. Please give us spiritual strength to live with grace, dignity, and integrity so that others may see our faithfulness, hope, and joy. We want them to come to know you and bring you glory with us on that great day when the Holy Spirit fully redeems our bodies and our world from their slavery to death, decay, and destruction. In Jesus' name, we wait in hope and pray with anticipation. Amen.
"Scarcely could we rejoice at the thought of losing the glorious old ocean: the new heavens and the new earth are none the fairer to our imagination,....."
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and...."
![Illustration of Romans 8:23 — Not only [is all creation groaning under its bondage to decay], but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our bodies.](https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/698.jpg "Illustration of Romans 8:23 — Not only [is all creation groaning under its bondage to decay], but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our bodies.")
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