Romans 8.22, 23 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.
Once a person is born of heavenly seed, there is a longing placed within their soul to be with our God. As beautiful and jaw-dropping the descriptions of the New Jerusalem are, the real beauty and majesty of that heavenly city is God Himself. John was given the revelation that the “city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” My heart cannot even begin to imagine what that means. No pun intended, but I am sure that is one reason why that place is called heaven, or paradise. That is our eternal home beloved. “A new heaven and new earth wherein dwells righteousness.”
But this morning you and I are definitely not in heaven. The world around us is filled with violence, hatred, sickness, diseases and death. Fallen man is ever seeking to “fix” the sin problem with political legislation or medication. Thank God for the efforts and advancements that God allows us to achieve. But man can never solve the problems of man, much less the problems of the planet. This perilous situation is the cause of despair and despondency. But beloved, it is at such times that we need to remember the hope of the gospel. We are not of this world. We are pilgrims and strangers. You could almost say that we are here with a Visa from heaven. We are here to live for Christ and advance His kingdom. We are here to make much of Jesus. But until Father calls us home or Jesus calls us up, we are still here.
Thus, we are in the process of sanctification, which is not only meant to be a witness for Christ on earth, but to prepare us for heaven. “For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in [this] tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.” We are groaning for God, beloved. One day, that groan will be fully accomplished. Until then, stay close to Jesus and serve Him well.
