Romans 8

Romans 8:22-25

²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

 

“Christianity is the only identity which is received and not achieved.” – Tim Keller (interview with Carey Nieuwhof)

 

All creation groans with birth pangs, awaiting the new day. Help us to wait patiently for the new birth of Your church, Jesus. We believe in a better day. We believe that these birth pains will result in a beautiful child. May we not seek to achieve our identity but instead receive our identity from You. What is the identity you have for our church? We wait patiently for you to reveal it to us.

Meditations

Psalm 20:1-3 In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.

    May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
² May he send you help from his sanctuary
    and strengthen you from Jerusalem. 
³ May he remember all your gifts
    and look favorably on your burnt offerings. Selah (interlude) (NLT)

 

Lord, these are very much times of trouble. Hear our cry. Remember the gifts you have given to your people. Remember the gifts you have given to me. They are indeed gifts we have received from your hand and each person, each community, each church has received a share to be used in accomplishing your will.

 

Psalm 20:4 May he grant your heart’s desires
    and make all your plans succeed.

 

May our heart’s desires be your heart’s desires. May we always keep our desires and your desires in line together.

 

Psalm 20:7 Some nations boast of their chariots and horses,
    but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.

 

May we never trust in our clever techniques, our systems, and our structures to accomplish your will. We will trust in your power, your name, and your miracles, to give Holy Spirit life to our techniques. We will boast in you.