ROMANS 8
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 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. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. – Romans 8:18-25
ROMANS 8 HOPE FOR THE GLORY AHEAD
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you are chosen to be one of God’s people
There is much eager expectancy to hope for
Do not be discouraged with the sufferings you encounter
They are incomparable to the glory waiting for a believer.
In this letter, Paul encourages the church in Rome not to be discouraged by trials, adversities and suffering they encounter. He wants the believers to look forward to the glory that surpasses all those challenges they are faced with currently. He is urging them to have an eager expectancy of the glory that are coming for all those who believe and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
This letter is not only for those believers in Rome at the time Paul was writing it. It is also for all believers in our current day. We need to press on towards the promises that is going to be fulfilled when Jesus comes back. Instead of being discouraged and let down, we focus on the glory that lies ahead. If we place our attention on the promise of the new heaven and earth, of a place where there will be no more diseases, pain and tears, we could have that expectancy that will make us press on and grow our endurance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
REFLECTION
- Why is “hope” sometimes challenging for some believers?
