All manner of events over the last year remind us of the corrupted and broken nature of our world. But Christians, after all, are (or at least should be!) a resurrection people. That doesn't mean that death never comes—if nothing else, the Cross must remind us that it is always swiftly approaching!—but simply that though death can win nearly an infinite number of battles, it will lose the war.
"I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." Romans 8:18-25
I thought of that same passage from Lord of the Rings this morning. It’s a good one. Thank you.
This is a beautiful reflection. It is a reminder to run to the One who is the source of beauty, love, and goodness.
All manner of events over the last year remind us of the corrupted and broken nature of our world. But Christians, after all, are (or at least should be!) a resurrection people. That doesn't mean that death never comes—if nothing else, the Cross must remind us that it is always swiftly approaching!—but simply that though death can win nearly an infinite number of battles, it will lose the war.
"I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." Romans 8:18-25
Maranatha!
Beautiful words