Advent (Day 6)
We have been thinking about how hope is grounded in the past – God’s mighty deeds for Israel and the sufficiency of Christ’s redemptive work. Today we turn our eyes to the future. The major emphasis on hope in the New Testament centers around the second coming of Christ, when the believer’s hope becomes experienced reality rather than anticipation of future experience.
Paul says we “groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:23).
Upon first reading, I was struck by the phrase “groan inwardly” for two reasons: 1) I wasn’t sure what that meant, and 2) I suspected that I don’t actually do that.
Bromiley’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament describes the word used for “groan” in this verse as, “A sighing that takes place by reason of a state of oppression which causes suffering and from which there is the desire to be free.” Paul uses the same word in 2 Corinthians 5:2 to express that existence in the body is a burden, a sign that redemption is not yet complete.
So my suspicion is confirmed: I don’t really sense that having a body is oppressive and thus I do not long to be free from life in this body, at least not in the way that slaves groan in their labor and long to be free. In plain terms, I like my life on earth. Don’t get me wrong, I look forward to the day when Jesus will set everything right, but I cannot say that I groan inwardly as I anticipate that day.
Well what’s wrong with liking life? Nothing. Or maybe everything. Jesus said he came so that we may have life to the fullest, and he said that if anyone wants to save his life he must lose it.
Advent is forcing me to wrestle with this tension, pushing me back over and over to the same question: “What do I long for now?” Is it the coming of Christ … to the point that life in this body is such a burden that I groan inwardly because my desire for freedom simply cannot be expressed in words? To this end Jesus beckons us:
SCRUPTURE READING: 2 Peter 3:10-15
Paul says we “groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:23).
Upon first reading, I was struck by the phrase “groan inwardly” for two reasons: 1) I wasn’t sure what that meant, and 2) I suspected that I don’t actually do that.
Bromiley’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament describes the word used for “groan” in this verse as, “A sighing that takes place by reason of a state of oppression which causes suffering and from which there is the desire to be free.” Paul uses the same word in 2 Corinthians 5:2 to express that existence in the body is a burden, a sign that redemption is not yet complete.
So my suspicion is confirmed: I don’t really sense that having a body is oppressive and thus I do not long to be free from life in this body, at least not in the way that slaves groan in their labor and long to be free. In plain terms, I like my life on earth. Don’t get me wrong, I look forward to the day when Jesus will set everything right, but I cannot say that I groan inwardly as I anticipate that day.
Well what’s wrong with liking life? Nothing. Or maybe everything. Jesus said he came so that we may have life to the fullest, and he said that if anyone wants to save his life he must lose it.
Advent is forcing me to wrestle with this tension, pushing me back over and over to the same question: “What do I long for now?” Is it the coming of Christ … to the point that life in this body is such a burden that I groan inwardly because my desire for freedom simply cannot be expressed in words? To this end Jesus beckons us:
Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End
I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life …
He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:12-21).
SCRUPTURE READING: 2 Peter 3:10-15
posted by Bob | 8:09 AM
1 Comments:
Will, nice work on the Advent posts.
I’m out side of Schuyler Ne., at St. Benedicts a Catholic monastery. After praying with the monks I went through the 12 Stations of the Cross they have set up outside on a hill. Yes, it was freezing. So, I decided it would be good idea to grab a cup of hot tea and catch up on the Advent posts.
I came out here today for some solitude. I find that in even in “ministry” I put my hope in the wrong things, unfortunately usually in me. Instead of praying more and working less I try to work more and pray less. So, I’m out here trying to pray a little more, work less, and find my HOPE in Jesus.
This morning I was doing some lectio divina (Latin for sacred reading), which is an ancient form of praying scripture. Good thing to try when at a monastery. The scripture that I was praying through was Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
You (Will) used this scripture on Thursday. Here is what I got out of it as I prayed and am now reminded of after reading the blog.
This advent I want my focus to be on God and looking to the coming of Jesus. As I do this I will be filled with joy and peace. But that’s not the end. I will be filled, so that I can overflow. I’m supposed to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit bringing Hope to those who don’t have it this advent.
Each of the Stations of the Cross had a verse followed by the word remember and a description of some one in need(ex. The lonely, the dying, the forgotten). As we say, “Come, Lord Jesus, Come” let’s not forget to “Remember”.
What you did for the least of my brothers, you did it for me. Mt. 25:40
JD
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