Creation’s Longing
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Jun 5, 2023
- 2 min read
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. (Romans 8:19)
Have you ever thought about how everything in creation responds to the ways of God? Every particle, every piece of dust, every living organism - all of creation is subject to God's voice. And here in Romans 8:19, Paul said that everything in physical creation has an intense expectation, a full anticipation for the revealing of the sons of God.
It's as though the earth is waiting for us, the believers, to fully manifest our identity as sons and daughters of God.
And why wouldn't it? We were created to have dominion and authority over all the earth, to tend to it and care for it. But sin entered the world and corrupted our relationship with the earth. Now the ground does not yield easily to mankind as it used to. Violence reigns in the animal kingdom and in all the world. Disease and sickness would happen, and natural disasters would become more common. This is the world in which we live, a world deeply affected by sin.
But God's plan for creation has not changed. He promised us a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell (2 Peter 3:13). That is our future expectation of reward. It’s something that every believer can look forward to!
We have a future expectation of reward. Everyone will face judgment, but judgment can be positive or negative. Those who followed Jesus will receive rewards for their work. Those who didn’t will suffer the wrath of God. Both sides are true.
Believers have a positive future expectation that things are going to be changed! Everything won’t remain as it is today. And one of those expectations - the Scripture says - is a new heaven and a new earth. The old one will be destroyed by fire and a new one will be created. Hallelujah.
Practical Application
We must live our lives with the anticipation of this future reality in mind. That means striving to live a righteous life, avoiding sin. We should make every decision with an eternal perspective and prioritize God’s Kingdom above everything else.
