OUR GROANING WORLD

OUR GROANING WORLD!

Rom 8:22

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.  

           It is still more than a month before Christmas but I am having Christmastime thoughts. No, I’m not thinking of trees, snow, or Santa but of the condition of the waiting world just before Gabriel upset Mary’s wedding plans with a birth announcement!

           It was a world and a time much like our own today. Israel was occupied by a cruel conqueror and government was let out to the highest bidder. There were no statesmen! Money was scarce and fear was a constant companion. The whole world was groaning.

           The word “groaneth” is the Greek sustenazo which indicates a loud collective moan from those who are experiencing a common calamity. There could be no better description of our modern world! I’m reminded of a recent interview of a little boy in Paris who had come with his father to place flowers at an impromptu memorial to those shot by Muslims. He said that now they would have to move to avoid the mean men. His daddy said that there were mean men everywhere. The bewildered little boy looked to his daddy for comfort and security. We also are looking for comfort and security. We are collectively groaning.

           The phrase “travaileth in pain” is the Greek sunodino and does not refer, as we think, to labor pains but indicates “to collectively and simultaneously sympathize in the expectation of relief from suffering.” Imagine a world where the whole population collectively sighs to whatever god they own. Each one anxiously waiting for relief from suffering. This is our world today!

           Into this collective groaning bursts an angel who appears to a lowly little maid. Not to kings but to a peasant girl is the good news delivered. “Fear not Mary!” God has heard the groans and is now ready to provide a remedy. Our world is ripe for the return of Christ!

Acts 1:11

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Dear Lord, how can you long bear the groans of this weary and wicked world? Come quickly to deliver us. AMEN