Opening Prayer
Gracious God, I put myself before you in this moment with waiting heart, expectant desire. Open my eyes that I may see your promise fulfilled; open my ears that I may hear your word whispered to my deepest being.
Amen.
Passage
Romans 8:22-25
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Reflection - Deb Pritchard
Shola left this world in October. As I read these words in verse 23 it became real to me. Her passing– those last breaths, her heart ceasing from it’s work – ushered her into the presence of the One who came to earth long ago to open the way for her to the Father. We grieve, BUT, we also have HOPE in Jesus.
Shola and I would walk on the country roads where we live, and talk. She often said, “I’m not afraid to die. I know God is my Father. If it’s my time, it’s my time.” Her HOPE was securely rooted in the One who determined the span of her life. I take great comfort in knowing she is “released from pain and suffering.” She now has finally laid hold of her “full rights as his [child]," including a healed body. The promise has been fulfilled and her hope has become sight.
Take a moment to think of what it might be like to open your eyes and be in His presence. What will you see? How will you respond?
Alternatively listen to "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me, and remember what God has promised us.
Closing Prayer
My Lord, may all that I have seen of you and all that I have heard from your word now enflesh itself in me. Send me from this place as the incarnate promise of life to all whose life I will touch this day.
Amen.