Sanctified Groaning
By Jonathan C. Brentner
I know my title seems a bit unusual, but I can explain. But first let me give you an update on my health.
I am doing a lot better than what I reported in my previous newsletter. The lightheadedness is gone and the numbness is much better, but still present on the right side of my mouth and jaw as well as in the fingers of my right hand. I had an MRI of my spine a few days ago and I will visit my doctor to discuss the results next week.
In the midst of dealing with my various symptoms (and aging), I groaned one day as I walked out of my office. In response to my wife Ruth’s question about it, I said it was a Romans 8:23 groan. That verse says, “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.”
Does not this verse make my groaning seem a little more spiritual even though it was vocal? I think so.
Seriously, I believe one of the purposes of the afflictions and trials we all endure as believers is to loosen our grips on the things of this world and cause us to long for Jesus’ return when He will exchange our current bodies for ones that are imperishable and immortal (read 1 Cor. 15:51-55).
This is the exchange Paul also refers to in Romans 8:23-25 where he added this regarding our anticipation of receiving redeemed 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.” The Lord, through the proclamation of the Gospel, promises us immortal bodies and not only that, Paul says it’s natural to groan a little as we patiently wait for that day.
I believe Paul included our hope of a glorified body wherever and whenever he proclaimed the Gospel.
I also find myself groaning in response to the wicked advances of the pro-abortion agenda on the anniversary of Roe v Wade. I know the Lord will judge this horrendous evil in America and throughout the world; it’s only a matter of time.
As I look at the numerous signs pointing to the nearness of the Gog and Magog war (Ezek. 38-39) along with the proud flaunting of the murder of children, the sex trafficking, celebrities talking publicly about their worship of Satan, and the all-out push to confuse our children regarding their gender, I believe something rather dramatic has to happen soon (perhaps the Rapture??).
I never thought I would see so much evil and rampant wickedness apart from the start of seven-year tribulation.
Something’s got to give and I believe the dam will break wide open in the very near future.