Living in the Gap (Romans 8:22-25)

In the previous chapter we thought about the promise of Jesus' return. We saw that this will be the climax of God's programme on earth. We saw that although the promise is sure, God has not revealed to us precisely when it will happen. But knowing that Jesus will return brings us two things: peace and confidence in a troubled world and the motivation to align ourselves with his purposes.

Hope

Both Jesus and later the apostle Paul spoke about this in-between age, and both said there would be challenges and suffering. Both spoke of 'birth-pains'.

In Romans 8, Paul contrasted the sufferings of the present with the glory that will be revealed. Although there is a deep inward groaning, there is at the same time a glorious and confident hope in what is to come. The word hope is used six times in this passage. Our attitude should be one of eager anticipation and patience 

'I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 

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

Romans 8:18-25

It is worth noting that the way the New Testament is using the word hope in relation to Christ's return and the associated events, is quite different from the way it is used in everyday speech. We might say, "I hope it doesn't rain on Friday for the school sports day!" or "I hope it does rain otherwise the grain I have planted won't grow!" Such a hope is a sincere wish. On the other hand, Biblical hope is underpinned by faith in God's reliable promises. This brings the conviction of certainty. The writer to the Hebrews wrote: 

'Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.' 

Hebrews 11:1

In other translations the word 'confidence' is rendered as 'substance' or 'substantiating' or 'assurance' or 'being sure'. When we think about Christ's return, this is not a matter of personal desire or preference it is a matter of God's promise.

Present suffering and future glory

Paul contrasts our experience during this in-between period. He uses several words to describe our experience and the world we live in - present sufferings, frustration, bondage to decay, inward groanings.

When speaking of the age to come he mentions the glory to be revealed, liberation, freedom and glory, redemption of our bodies.

And the attitude of Christian hope he describes as eager expectation, and patient waiting.

We look forward to the infinitely better things to come. The sufferings of the present are incomparable to the glory that is to be revealed in us.

Paradoxically, the spirit of this age is one of wanting things to be easier, more comfortable, and more convenient. Yet our world is saturated with suffering, conflict, and strife. There are so many fractured families, divided communities, ethnic and national rivalries. Despite educational and scientific advances, the experience of many people the world over falls short of their dreams and aspirations.

Knowing this stimulates the Christian to pray and to do this we need God's help. And help is available through the Holy Spirit whom God imparts to hungry people.

'In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.' 

Romans 8:26-27

The Spirit dwelling within us prays with our words and our groanings.  And God sees and hears. And he will answer.

What difference should this knowledge make in our lives?

Knowing this helps us to be patient and persevere when things get tough. (The Greek word is the same for both). We should not be unduly surprised by the wrongdoing, evil, corruption, suffering, pain, and injustice that we see in the world. And while we work to make a positive difference to those around us, we will not be dismayed or disillusioned by limited success. We do not discard our confidence in God or His promises. We will bounce back from disappointment and discouragement as we reflect on the good things to come. There will come a day when God puts all things right. If we see evil prospering, we know that it will not do so forever!

'So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.'

Hebrews 10:35-36

We strike a balance between actively seeking to promote Kingdom values (perseverance) and at the same time bearing with people and situations when they resist (patience).

And we pray. We pray in line with the promises of God, even if at times we are lost for words. At such times God sees and hears our groaning and yearning for the full manifestation of his Kingdom purposes and the return of the King whether it happens in our own lifetime or beyond.

Chris Moffett