“…the Spirit also HELPS IN OUR WEAKNESSES. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us WITH GROANINGS (stenagmos: to groan or sigh) WHICH CANNOT BE UTTERED (alalētos: not expressed in words). Now He who searches the hearts knows WHAT THE MIND OF THE SPIRIT IS, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27) God then comforted Moses that He had seen the afflictions caused by the Egyptians and that He had heard the Israelites groanings (stenagmos). This is important. The Israelites were experiencing a kind of affliction so great, so overwhelming, that they didn’t yet have the WORDS TO SPEAK what they were feeling and experiencing. YET, GOD’S RESPONSE…IS THAT…HE HEARS THEM.
This passage describes the difference between our future and our present, as Christians. Our future in Christ, as God’s children and heirs of His kingdom, IS EVERYTHING WE LONG FOR. Our present, though, is a life of longing, patient waiting, LIVING IN THE HOPE OF REALITY THAT HAS NOT YET ARRIVED. We continue to suffer along with the rest of creation, TO GROAN FOR THE LIFE TO COME.
“Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD to those who love God, to those who are THE CALLED according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:27-28)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham