For we know that the whole creation

groans and labors with birth pains

together until now.

Not only the creation, but we ourselves

too, who have and enjoy the first fruits

 of the Holy Spirit, even we

ourselves groan within ourselves

 eagerly waiting for the redemption

 of our bodies which will reveal our

adoption as God’s sons.

( Romans 8. 22 and 23).

MEDITATION POINTS

Meditate about the following:

1) The entire creation is awaiting the

manifestation of God’s children.

2) The entire creation groans and labors

in labor pains until then.

3) We also who have and enjoy the

firstfruits of the Holy Spirit ( a foretaste

of the blissful world to come)  groan inwardly

as we wait for the redemption of our bodies,

which will reveal our adoption and our

manifestation as God’s children.

4) Then the entire world will enjoy the

happiness, satisfaction and fulfillment

 of knowing Jesus Christ.

For we know that the whole creation

groans and labors

with birth pains together until now.

Not only that but we also who have

the first fruits of the Spirit

even we ourselves groan

within ourselves

eagerly

waiting for the adoption

the redemption of our body.

For we were saved in this hope

but hope that is seen is

not hope for why does one still

hope for what he sees

But if we hope for what

we do not see we eagerly wait

for it with perseverence.

Likewise the Spirit also helps in

our weaknesses.

For we do not know

what we should

pray for as we ought,

but the Spirit Himself

makes intercession

for us with groanings

which can not be uttered.

Now He who searches the hearts

 knows what the mind of

the Spirit is, because He makes

 intercession for the saints

according to the will of God.

And we know that all things work

together for good to

those who love God, to those who

are the called according

to His purpose.

(Romans 8.22-28).

 POINTS FOR REFLECTION

1) The groaning and laboring of nature

2) The firstfruits of the Spirit

3) The redemption of the body

4) Waiting in hope

5) The description of hope

6) Help from  the Holy Spirit

7) Intercession by the Holy Spirit

The answers to these questions are vitally important.