If I had to choose a favorite bible passage, it would probably be Romans 8. It discusses almost every major theological doctrine in the span of a chapter all while being beautifully crafted. One of the teachings in this chapter is the redemption of creation. Paul writes “For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly 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 also be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (8:19-21). Like us, Paul knows that this world is a broken place. After the fall of mankind in Genesis 3, destruction, decay, destruction and, ultimately, death has been a part of existence (Rom 5:17a). However, it has not always been this way and it will not always be this way. According to the verses just quoted, God subjected creation to futility knowing that it will one day be
“set free.”

We, along with creation are longing for this time that the Lord will redeem his children and the rest of his creation. It is because of this hope we are able to say along with Paul, “that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (8:13). I look forward to the day when we can live with each other and with God on a “new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). A place where the wolf will dwell with the lamb (Isa 11:4). A place where there is no sound of weeping and only rejoicing (Isa 65:19). May we never forget this hope that we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!