“We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:22 – 23)
It is hard for me to conceive of a time when believers were waiting in faith and hope, just waiting, for the redemption and adoption. By that I mean, not being involved with the life around them. Not interacting with others, believers and non-believers alike. How does one life in isolation from the rest of the world, keeping one’s self apart for a day & time that one does not when it is coming?
It is a question I would ask my faith forebearers who did just that – became an insular community that did not have contact with the “outside” world. Did not take on modern traditions but stayed steeped in old ways so as to not be tempted by “worldly” pursuits. And this is the same type of living that many Jewish did, then and in more modern times, refusing to gave way and opening other traditions and potentials. Focused only on remaining absolutely rigid to faith, and never moving on from their letter of the law tenets. I also wonder how Paul could endorse this when he, himself, introduced Gentile to the Way of Jesus Christ the Nazarene. But then, I wonder about a lot of things.
The verses that follow explain more about what Paul’s message is. And explains that, possibly, the fear of losing that adoption and redemption might have caused him to set a rigid outlook. We know that Paul, when he was Saul, had a rigid outlook. So it is no surprise that as a person of faith in Jesus the rigidity transfers from one stream of faith to another. Not that Paul does not include at times the concept of grace and mercy. But here, he sets out a firm doctrine Or . . . . . . maybe I am putting too much emphasis on the inward groaning and waiting, and assuming a distress that is not there.
“For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Verses 24 – 27)
Have you known believers that live in fear of straying outside of the tenets and theologies of their faith. Who evidence fear of the Lord by quaking at Divine Wrath rather being overjoyed at the Glory of the Lord? And if you one such as that, beloved reader, I hope and prayer that the grace and mercy of the Lord God comes to you in Mighty Waves, and that Holy Presence calms and comforts your heart, soul, and spirit. Shalom & Selah!
A Simple Desire 
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