For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. ~ Romans 8:19-25, ESV
Yesterday, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan. The quakes, aftershocks and tsunami waves have wreaked havoc on the country, destroying cities and causing wide-spread power outage. CNN reported the death tole was officially 686, but well over 10,000 people are missing.
What can be said about something like that? There are no words.
Jesus brought us hope, but we still live in the world — a world in bondage to corruption. In times like this, we grieve. We groan with creation. And we look ahead to the return of our Savior.
We wait for it with patience.
Incandescent Ink 