Weekly Devotional 6-5-17
The End of Corruption, Decay & Death
Romans 8:18-25 (NKJV) “18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.”
The process of corruption and decay of all living matter began when Adam sinned and when God cursed the earth because of sin. It should not be surprising therefore that all living things develop issues within their molecular systems that cause a decline of physiological being and eventual death. This includes man. All living matter is held in bondage to corruption and decay. However, the promise of God is that this can and will be reversed. It will not be during this present dispensation, but when our glorified risen Lord creates a new heaven and a new earth. John the Revelator was given a vision of this as the Lord revealed to him things to come. We read from that revelation.
“1Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God, Himself will be with them and be their God. 4And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ 5Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’6And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son’” (Revelation 21:1-7 NKJV). Wow! What a promise, what hope for us, we who have trusted in Jesus Christ. This is God’s answer to sin and its ramifications, corruption, decay and death.
The apostle Paul saw his present sufferings not worthy to be compared with the glory that would be revealed in him and his fellows when he would appear in his glorified body with the Lord Jesus Christ. This should also be our attitude and expectation. Perhaps if we focused on our future in the presence of our Lord, our acceptance of our present situation would be more tolerable. Lord, strengthen us to that end. Amen!
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