For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (23) Not only that, but we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. (24) For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? (25) But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. (26) Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession focus with groaning which cannot he uttered. (27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul writes of the believer’s journey from bondage of corruption to the glorious liberty of the children of God. The faithful are sons and daughters through faith in Christ Jesus – their spirit is redeemed now in faith but their bodies will be redeemed as well. Before this glory there is a period of suffering or a period of groaning as our outward body perishes. Groanings are the source of hope because they testify that the best is yet to be. When man fell his creation was cursed by God. All of human tragedy is part of groaning until Christ came to redeem us. Paul is saying creation not only groans in reference to the past and sin but now, in faith, a new birth and new creation is to be the result. So not only are there death pangs but birth pangs; human yearnings for deliverance from pains and sorrows of an obviously incomplete and imperfect existence. Groaning continues as long as we are here on earth.

Paul is talking about not the manner but the content of prayer. We are to pray that God’s will be done. Paul personifies creation groaning as it waits for the culmination for God’s people that will trigger the release from judgment to which all people have been subject since Adam and Eve sinned – but also God’s judgment on creation, not only the botanical world but the animal come under the curse. Violence, decay and death are part of the result of the curse. But the fact of suffering does not undermine that fact that God has a plan and He will accomplish this plan. God’s pledge is that He will complete the promise of salvation of the faithful.

I thought of C.S.Lewis (writing in Mere Christianity) when I read today’s verses: “Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to be making any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself. “