A Whole Lot Of Groaning Going On

"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 firstfruits 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.

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 8:18-27)

Creation groans, our bodies groan and Christians groan through a heavenly prayer language - there's a whole lot of groaning going on. However, this passage is a hope-filled section of Scripture. Paul mentions the groans because without them there is no appreciation for the total restoration of all things. As Michael English sings, "There's Not A Crown Without A Cross" - there's not any glorification without groaning first.

Paul, having the true nature of hope pouring through his pen, leads off this passage with - "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18) This begins to turn our attention away from the non-solvable problems that worry us so much in life and places our focus on more glorious days to come. 

Creation is going to receive a glorious make-over or upgrade by The Creator, but is awaiting Christ's glorification of His children first. In the meantime, the earth and all of nature groans in its own ways more frequently and with increased intensity as that day approaches (i.e. earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, global heat, volcanic eruptions, etc).

• "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."

Believers in Christ await their transformation into their glorified bodies, completing the full manifestation of our adoption as kids of the King. While here on earth - the thoughts, actions and words of the Christian should be the outward display of their decision to follow Christ. I believe after true believers are with the Lord and each other in Heaven, the white robes representing the right-standing with God through Christ that we wear will also display all the Godly character He has bestowed upon our personality. We will literally wear our emotions and everything else on our sleeve, for there are no pretenses in Heaven.

• 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. For in this hope we were saved.

Finally, while we struggle here on earth to connect with people and try to say the right thing, at the right time, to benefit the troubled - there are also times we have difficulty in knowing what and how to pray or communicate to God on any given thing. Fear not. The Lord has given us hope now and forever more through His Holy Spirit.

• "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."

The inclusion of the Holy Spirit in the process is crucial in the believer's daily life and when trying to make a difference in this world the Holy Spirit's involvement makes Proverbs 15:23 very enjoyable and meaningful - "A person finds joy in giving an apt reply -- and how good is a timely word!". 

From my experience, I attempt to help someone by showing or telling what someone else of respect did. Other times I show or tell what I did in the situation. But if both instances did not have direction from Jesus or the Holy Spirit interwoven into the instruction - the apt reply and timely word is dulled at best. Replying to anyone about anything should come from a foundation in God's Word. What Would Jesus - Think, Say or Do? - should be at the tip of the believer's brain or thoughts before we think, say or do anything. In the meantime, I expect there is A Whole Lot Of Groaning Going On.

Just Say The Word

The authority of God on any matter has always been executed by God's Word. His spoken Word created the known universe. His inspired Word formed our written text, The Bible. His Rhema Word or words for the now-situations of life via the Holy Spirit are based from the written Word of God.

All God has to do in any circumstance is speak. He does not have to lift an arm or finger. He does not have to swing a mighty sword. In fact, Revelation 19:15 says that His sword is His speech that proceeds from His mouth - "Coming out of His mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations."

The Centurion of Matthew 8:5-13 that needed his servant healed knew this fact about Jesus. This commander of a hundred soldiers recognized Christ's supernatural authority, told Jesus that his home was not worthy of Christ's visit and called Jesus - Master/Lord. Authority recognized authority.

Authority has power and responsibility that carry with it a weight behind it's purpose which declares a Seal of Approval from a Higher Power. Jesus has the ultimate authority.

Authority in the original Greek is the word exousia (ex-oo-see'-ah) meaning concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, delegated influence: - authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

Authority has to come from someone greater than yourself. Even Jesus, The Word of God in flesh, said, "the Father is greater than I." (John 14:28) while visiting us the first time. This is confirmed in Philippians 2:6-8 and Hebrews 2:9.

As I have studied authority in the life of Jesus, I noticed He taught as one who had the right and jurisdiction to teach - meaning no-one else could. Said another way, what He spoke about was Right in His Ballpark.

"the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." - Matthew 7:28-29

I also read where He healed with authority (Matthew 9:6), delegated with authority (Matthew 10:1), rebuked with authority (Mark 1:27), declared with authority (Matthew 28:18), and was certainly questioned about His authority (Matthew 21:23-27). Jesus received the Seal of Approval at His baptism with John the Baptist and went forward in His authority.

However, what made Jesus special to me was that not only did He display His authority with His many miracles but He proved His authority and subsequent authentic relationship with Father God through His self-sacrifice and self-resurrection.

"Then the Jews demanded of him, 'What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?' Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple [meaning His body], and I will raise it again in three days.'" - John 2:18-19

"No one takes it [His life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." - John 10:18

Jesus had and stills has the right, strength, power, liberty, freedom, and privilege to do anything. His authority will always be aligned with the will of God the Father.

What the Centurion requested from Jesus was something he did himself but could not transfer into the supernatural. As a commander, the Centurion had the authority to give orders to other soldiers for their immediate execution. He did not have that same authority over the paralyzing sickness his servant had, but he knew who did and how He did it - Jesus with just one word. 

"When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 'Lord,' he said, 'my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.'

Jesus said to him, 'Shall I come and heal him?'

The centurion replied, 'Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.'

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, 'Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.'

Then Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.' And his servant was healed at that moment. (Matt. 8:5-13)

For whatever challenges you may be facing or your friends and family may be enduring, I encourage all of us today to seek Jesus, the one endued with All Authority and ask Him to Just Say The Word.

The Beforehand

As a productive member of society, a person might perform as much research as possible, gain as much knowledge as possible and garnish as much experience in one's industry as possible before landing the dream career.

As an athlete, one might practice and train the body and mind in such a way that when the moment for try-outs come or that big moment in the game arrives - the sportsman or sportswoman is ready to execute their move flawlessly.

The Beforehand is crucial not only in these areas of a person's life but a Christian's life also. After a person surrenders their life to Christ, the daily challenge begins to continue being submitted to The Lord in all areas so that He will use them mightily in His plan to reach and love others.

Those in Scripture that were deemed "blameless" meant that they were full of integrity. Noah (Gen. 6:9) and Job (Job 1:1) were two such men that held this distinction. What an awesome goal to apsire to even in this day and age.

The behavior of a believer alone with only Christ and His guardian angels attending is the beginning of exposing true self. As soon as we are placed in front of a live physical person such as a spouse, another family member or friend - some of our awareness returns and we behave differently. The whole wearing different masks for different people and different situations comes front and center.

However, what if Christians were to practice and train in their alone time so that their character and behavior in private matched what was seen in public. The key is to remember God is watching and desires to be more than an intrested spectator in all of our lives and at all times. 

I imagine there are many Christians who grab their ticket to Heaven by believing and then start waiting for The Heavenly Train-ride. There is more to the Christian life than this picture. In Paul's letter to the believers in Philippi, he said,

"continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." (Phil. 2:12-13)

Paul encourages the Christian that the journey of faith in Christ is a process. Christ did the work in order to redeem humanity and make us part of His family. However, to be more Christ-like each day, believers have to "continue to work out...with fear and trembling" alongside God the life of grace they have been given. This includes and is especially paramount for what goes on in a believer's life behind closed doors, when no one is looking and is with God in The Beforehand.

Moving Toward Your Treasure

People will always move toward their heart's nudging, sometimes with, sometimes without reason leading the way. If you have surrendered your heart to Christ and are living for Him then your treasure is Christ, the Lord forever. If you have not done this and you die without Christ as your personal Savior, your reward(s) will match your deeds. 

In Randy Alcorn's book, Deception, a much loved character of mine, Obadiah says, "The one who spends his life movin' away from his treasures is goin' to despair. But the one who spends his life movin' toward  his treasures is goin' to rejoice!" (p.255) Sounds like very familiar advice that I once read from The King and my Savior - Christ Jesus - 

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)

What helps an incredible amount as Christians live daily life here on earth is to set your treasure(s) in Heaven. Better yet, set what you cherish as Christ and everything that we find in Him and you will be in the right mind, attitude and spirit forever. 

Humans can have an intent focused life with hope of making a difference in the world, but if Christ is not in their lives, their work is only temporary and so is their life. What we do here on earth echoes into eternity. 

God said we will be rewarded for our deeds. This occurs at two prophesied judgements - the Bema Seat or Judgement Seat of Christ where Christians will receive their reward(s) and/or The Great White Throne Judgement where the damned will stand before God with all the books opened for their judgment of deeds.

What one decides about their relationship with Jesus determines their eternal destination - Heaven or the Lake of Fire. What a person continues to do (deeds) either as a believer or non-believer will also follow them to their respective destinations and either bless/reward them (the Christian) or deliver continued judgement (the damned).

As a start, Paul supplied a list of action items to his apprentice, Timothy, for the kinds of things to store-up in Heaven. He presented it as a challenge to a certain group of people.

1. Challenge the rich to not be stuck-up and prideful about their finances, putting their hope in such an uncertain and fluctuating thing as money.
2. Have them place their hope in God who is The Great Provider.
3. Challenge these same people to do good,
4. Be very active in doing good,
5. Do not hold back from giving to those in need
6. And be willing to share at a moments opportunity.

Paul concludes, "In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

The whole passage reads -

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (1 Tim. 6:17-19)

Besides having Christ as our ultimate reward or treasure, believers can see that living the daily, Christ-like life will also be rewarded. Believing in the eternal salvation Christ provides from eternal separation from God is not all that Jesus calls Christians too. The goal is active participation in one's relationship with Christ and others that bears fruit for His kingdom and Moving Toward Your Treasure.

His Lordship And Authority

All that is in lordship or authority over our lives should always be from God. If our thoughts, actions and words do not have their source in God then that void is filled with something or somebody else that should not be there.

"If people reject the Lord's authority over their lives and if God is no longer God in their lives, then they must find anothr god! It is impossible for the human spirit to thrive without something to live for, something larger than itself -- and that something is what a god is!" (Ray Stedman, God's Final Word: Understanding Revelation, 58)

In the absence of trust in God's lordship in someone's life, the major, remaining choices for authority that will govern the individual are - your own, the world's or Satan's.

"...our struggle was never to get independence from God. It weren't a struggle to be out from under lordship. It was a struggle to be under the right lorship. Freedom isn't being out from under authority. Freedom is being under the right authority. God's. (Randy Alcorn, "Dominion", p. 530)

The devil's plan or authority over anybody's life is filled with lies for he is the Father of Lies (John 8:44).Therefore, he cannot be trusted. 

The world's plan or authority contains too many empty promises with a track record of just enough systems to make you think they care about you but only care about their temporary power and remaining in it. Therefore, the world cannot be trusted.

You, as the sole deviser of the plan and authority in life take a high risk when you just depend upon your inexperienced self and the extreme limited knowledge you possess instead of surrendering your plans and dreams to God and consulting Him in daily prayer about them. 

None of these options - us, the world and/or Satan - can touch the all-knowingness and loving-kindness of God in Christ Jesus. I never said it would be easy and neither did Christ. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

That statment is a pretty huge selling point to me for unbelievers searching for a faith or authority to direct their lives daily. Even moreso is observing and trusting Christ's life as our example. With The Plan of Salvation upon His life He endured many different obstacles that challenged it and Him, but still prevailed because of the authority in His life and the plan He did not deviate from.  

Some people felt like trying to kill Jesus. Many did not want to rock the Roman Boat. Others, like the religious leaders of that day did not want to lose their position to the likes of a Nazarine carpenter claiming to be the Jewish Messiah. But every attempt on His life failed because Christ knew the authority in His life and the design upon it (Jn. 7:30; 43-44; 8:59; 9:22; 10:31; 10:39; 11:53).

Other groups of people wanted Jesus alive and desired him to be seated as King immediately as they were willing to forcibly make Him so. However, this did not align with Father God's plan for Him and He trusted in the Father's lordship and plan as He "withdrew again to a mountain by Himself."

• "After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself." (Jn. 6:14-15)

Jesus addressed both concerns. To the one's trying to kill Him, He said,

• "I lay down my life--only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." (John 10:17-18)

To the ones wanting to make Him King or know when His rule was going to manifest, Jesus said,

• "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:7-8)

Jesus said, 

• "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18). 

I challenge you, as well as myself, to not panic when life and the world seems out of control. When we have God as the authority in our lives, questioning the Lord about anything, especially situations concerning alignment with Him is not wrong or out of order. Jesus says, "Ask...seek...and knock" for answers (Matt. 7:7). This calls for a daily active investment within our relationship with God. Panic is not an appropriate response when in a sound relationship with God.

Knowing that The Plan was completed ("It is finished" - John 19:30) and perfectly timed for Jesus, how much more will God take care of His children. Choose to discard all other options (ourselves, the world and the devil) and believe in Christ's sovereignty for your life. Trusting and praying into a deeper revelation of God's plan and purposes will manifest a surrendered life to His Lorship And Authority.

The Judgment

What is Judgment? Judgment is rendering of a decision upon a given situation, based on an established standard, in light of evidence or certain circumstances. Therefore, perfect judgment at all times comes from the perfect being -  God, The Perfect Judge. There is no injustice or "change like shifting shadows" in Him and from Him flows everything "good and perfect" (James 1:17).

In Scripture, there are many judgments. Some judgments have been proclaimed and executed, others are still future. Some of the judgments still future are - The Great White Throne Judgment, Sheep/Goat Judgment and Bema Seat or Judgment Seat of Christ.

Judgement is upon all humanity and creation. A decision has been made by God in light of humanity's colossal mistake - sin. This sin or disobedience and/or rebellion toward God, which was an infected virus that humanity accepted from the Father of Lies, will result in death. Paul clearly states this consequential situation to the believers in Rome and down through the ages when he said - 

"For the wages [payment] of sin is death, ..." (Romans 6:23). 

So the consequence of humanity's mistake is physical and spiritual death - a disconnect from relationship with Father God. The bleak, end result is a judgment in the courtroom of heaven after physically dying. The writer of Hebrews says, "...people are destined to die once, and after that face judgment..." (Hebrews 9:27). The original Greek word for "judgment" is krisis (kree-sis) meaning justice, specifically divine law; accusation, condemnation and damnation. This sentencing, execution and destination of the judged by God is forthcoming in an awesome, literal manifestation many biblical scholars call The Judgment or The Great White Throne Judgment. 

I would venture to say that none of us likes to be judged or hear that we begin or lives behind the 8-ball of judgement. I chuckle at how easily we make judgements, surface or of substance, fair or not, on-the-fly or thought out while not truly comprehending the severity of humanity's judged condition as we enter the world upon birth. 

John said that those who remain in unbelief toward Christ continue to have the virus of sin, therefore remain in their condemnation or judgement. 

"...whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." (John 3:18)

One of the judgments that has already occurred is one that I call The Calvary Judgment. All sin, by everyone - past, present and future - was judged and paid for with the life of Christ Jesus on the cross. However, this act of paying the ransom for all our transgressions would not hold any power if Jesus were still dead in his tomb and defeated by death, hades and the grave. However, "Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him from rising again..." (Glorious Day - Living He Loved Me, by Casting Crowns)

So, The Good News is "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17)

John continues by stating our triumph over condemnation, over judgment is only found through faith in Christ, "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned,".

Paul admonished the Roman Christians and believers throughout the ages - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-3)

After Paul states the payment of sin is death in Romans 6:23, he immediately tells us what and who this remedy is - "but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

There is a judgment over humanity that was proclaimed, still stands and will be executed or manifested to the fullest one day for those who do not accept The Answer, Christ Jesus, to our mistake(s), our condition.

At one time, the perfect God had a perfect relationship with humanity, Adam and Eve. Because of our disobedience and self-dependency, there were heavy consequences delivered - the human condition was degraded and our relationship with God demanded a perfect Redeemer. This pictures how perfectly humanity fell from favor or grace. But we did not fall from His perfect love.

Yes, we are judged. Yes, there will be a Judgement. Yes, we can avoid that which our nature deserves. The Restorer, The Redeemer - Christ Jesus - has taken for us all The Judgment.

BELONGING

Life is all about relationship. Who and what you relate to and how and why you relate to them are the defining, molding ingredients of each relationship. There has never been a time in my life or in the lives of those around me that I have observed no need for belonging.

Hermits or loners in this world, I would put forth for consideration, are far-and-few-between. "No man is an island..." (John Donne) - I believe is truth for the majority. And even the hermits I have known have a pet for company and have to converse with a human at some point for essential needs.

The kinds of groups that tend to bring us a sense of belonging in this world are assemblies such as the work setting, one's religious meeting place or affiliation, same team sport venues, support groups for life challenges and any other group that we assign value or worth for our time and energies.

Wouldn't life be nice if there was the perfect relationship? Wouldn't living be much more bearable if we found the perfect place and/or relationship where we knew and felt we belonged?

You see belonging brings with it association with a person, place or thing. Many people belong or actively participate so much in their gang, bunch, crowd or organization that they are identified by that belonging. Many individuals belong to their work and sacrifice other elements of their lives, like family life. Other people belong to their families first and friendships feel the brunt of being second fiddle. Prioritization comes front and center in the consideration of belonging in a group or individual relationship. 

However, there is a perfect relationship. Believe it or not, one where relating to you on every level is met. You and I are promised trouble in life, but we are also guaranteed that this other person I am referring to in the relationship has overcome the world and its systems (John 16:33). The perfect relationship is with Christ Jesus.

Paul encouraged the Romans, as he does all Christians down through the ages, "If we live, we live for the Lord; if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." (Romans 14:8) 

How can non-believers so easily come to the conclusion they need Christ in their life and directing their decisions? How can Christians be assured of the faith they have declared for however long they have been a believer of Christ? According to the writer of Hebrews, because "we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." (Heb. 4:15)

Somehow, naturally and supernaturally, Jesus Christ has experienced every conceivable "weakness" and/or mistake ever made by anyone. However, His "no" was strong enough to thwart and/or conqueor every instance.  

Jesus is the Master, Savior and Creator who relates. But not only does He relate, He provides His strength and all the rest of His Holy character traits due to His victories with "no". All we have to do is - "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matt. 7:7-12)

For those searching to belong, Jesus is always ready for another personal  relationship and another potential family member to say "yes" to His invitation. Psalm 86:15 supports this view of God saying, "But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." 

For those already in The Faith, be encouraged and assured - there is no better relationship to have than with Christ and no better association, even with our bumps, than The Church, the family of God.

There are so many people and things that are competing for our earnest association or belongingness. Prioritization of what we consider most valuable or worthy of pure, life-long dedication will reveal who or what we belong to. Something to consider in all that we are associated with is - does the value/worth of kinship or inclusion have eternal benefits? 

I believe what you do here on earth now and the relationships you cultivate presently will echo into eternity. Our current existence is a shadow or foretaste of things to come for both those who see eternal value in belonging in a relationship with Christ and those that do not.

Christ promises, we will "bear much fruit", fruit being productive, Christ-like answers and character because we are aligned with Him - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

I have aligned myself with Christ. I try to remain "in Christ" daily. I will always be His son and part of His family/kingdom. The many benefits I read about in Scripture that are too numerous to list here are not only great convincing tools for the unbeliever and assurance mechanisms for the believer but eternal hopes I can hang my hat on. However, the prominent clincher for me in deciding who or what I desire to belong - is Christ the relatable, sacrificial, Son of God. That is what and who gives me my Belonging.