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Tuesday of the Fourth Week after the Epiphany
Today’s Reading: Romans 8:18-23
Daily Lectionary: Job 2:1-3:10; John 1:19-34
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:22-23)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Time for a quick science lesson on the Second Law of Thermodynamics, also known as entropy. In a closed system, such as earth, everything is subject to heat, death, decay, and destruction. Although St. Paul didn’t use this technical jargon, he’s saying what scientists have observed for centuries: Creation is groaning.
Every earthquake, hurricane, tornado, typhoon, tsunami, or natural disaster is a reminder that creation is also subject to sin and the Fall. Creation is broken and so are we.
Adam sinned. Adam died. That’s the pattern of our lives east of Eden: sin and death. By Adam’s disobedience all were made sinners. And so we groan with creation. We long for rescue. We eagerly wait for adoption as sons.
But where Adam failed—and where we fail—there is One who succeeds: Jesus. Just as Adam’s disobedience led to condemnation, so Jesus’ act of righteousness leads to justification for all men. Adam disobeyed. We disobey. Adam sinned. We’re sinners, too. Christ obeys, and by His obedience we are made righteous.
Our hope isn’t in Old Adam, but in a New Adam. Our hope isn’t in a fallen creation, but a New Creation. Our hope isn’t found in the periodic table or scientific method, but in the historical facts of Jesus’ physical death and resurrection for us.
Even as you wait, eagerly groaning with creation, for the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting, redemption is already yours. Your adoption papers are in, signed and sealed by Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Baptism, Jesus, your New Adam, has made you a new creation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Come, Jesus, come, Messiah Lord, Lost Paradise restore; Lead past the angel’s flaming sword—Come open heaven’s door. (What Hope! An Eden Prophesied, LSB 342:4)
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By Higher Things®Today’s Reading: Romans 8:18-23
Daily Lectionary: Job 2:1-3:10; John 1:19-34
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:22-23)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Time for a quick science lesson on the Second Law of Thermodynamics, also known as entropy. In a closed system, such as earth, everything is subject to heat, death, decay, and destruction. Although St. Paul didn’t use this technical jargon, he’s saying what scientists have observed for centuries: Creation is groaning.
Every earthquake, hurricane, tornado, typhoon, tsunami, or natural disaster is a reminder that creation is also subject to sin and the Fall. Creation is broken and so are we.
Adam sinned. Adam died. That’s the pattern of our lives east of Eden: sin and death. By Adam’s disobedience all were made sinners. And so we groan with creation. We long for rescue. We eagerly wait for adoption as sons.
But where Adam failed—and where we fail—there is One who succeeds: Jesus. Just as Adam’s disobedience led to condemnation, so Jesus’ act of righteousness leads to justification for all men. Adam disobeyed. We disobey. Adam sinned. We’re sinners, too. Christ obeys, and by His obedience we are made righteous.
Our hope isn’t in Old Adam, but in a New Adam. Our hope isn’t in a fallen creation, but a New Creation. Our hope isn’t found in the periodic table or scientific method, but in the historical facts of Jesus’ physical death and resurrection for us.
Even as you wait, eagerly groaning with creation, for the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting, redemption is already yours. Your adoption papers are in, signed and sealed by Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Baptism, Jesus, your New Adam, has made you a new creation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Come, Jesus, come, Messiah Lord, Lost Paradise restore; Lead past the angel’s flaming sword—Come open heaven’s door. (What Hope! An Eden Prophesied, LSB 342:4)