Romans 8:18-25 (Common English Bible)

I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us. The whole creation waits breathless with anticipation for the revelation of God’s sons and daughters. Creation was subjected to frustration, no by its own choice – it was the choice of the one who subjected it – but in the hope that the creation itself will be set free from slavery to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of God’s children. We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now. And it’s not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.

The Apostle Paul saw the world for what it is: a place of suffering and hope. Today as we live in a time of pandemic, we are aware of both of these realities as well. People in our community and world are concerned for their vulnerable loved ones, anxious about potential medical bills, and fearful of missing work because of quarantines. Paul writes, “the whole creation waits breathless with anticipation.” We are living with much uncertainty. Yet as followers of Jesus, we also live with hope. Places of gathering are taking precautions to protect our neighbors from a contagious disease, schools are finding creative ways to use technology to facilitate learning from a distance, and even our own congregation at Prairie Street is preparing to share the resources of our food bank with our neighbors. Paul writes that “we were saved in hope,” patiently waiting for what we don’t yet see. It is true that we do not yet see an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, but our hope moves us to action. The Spirit is at work in our responses to fear and anxiety as we choose love and concern for our neighbors. 

• Where are you seeing the Spirit move during this time?
• What groanings do you have as you wait on God?
• How is God moving you in hope toward action?

God, our Creator and Healer, you give us hope. Show us where you are moving in our community and world to bring healing and restoration for all of creation, that we may rest assured in your salvation. Amen.