Romans 8:18-25 (NIV)

We’ve spent this week lamenting, grieving the brokenness of the world and our role in its pain. Today’s passage for Romans places our lament within the deeper, wider longing of all of creation. A longing for every broken piece of the world to be put back together, for humans to be truly human, working with God to contribute to the flourishing of the world rather than it’s pain. Advent teaches us to wait.

In our interview with Bobby Gross he reminded us of Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of this passage, he puts it this way: All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.

Listen now to Romans 8:18-25 from the New International Version.

----------REFLECT----------

1. What did you hear in the passage? Was there a word or phrase that stood out to you?

2. Waiting is hard. Especially when we are in discomfort, in pain, or are suffering… How does the image of birth help you think about your longings this advent?

3. Take some time today to sit with the words of this passage. If there is something specific God has spoken to you, take some time to process that alone or with a friend.

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Living The Christian Year by Bobby Gross >>

Bible Project: Advent Series >>

Bible Project: Romans >>

IVP Advent Selections >>

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