Scripture Passage
Romans 8:22-27
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
Sermon Script
Last Tuesday, I attended a presbytery meeting. Presbytery is a court of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. It consists of churches within a particular geographical area. But for our Han-Ca Presbytery, it is centered around Korean ethnic churches in the Eastern part of Canada. The representing ministers and elders from each church meet every few months to discuss important matters related to the churches.
At this presbytery meeting, they approved the recommendation for my ordination and induction service in June. After the meeting, people came up to congratulate me. One minister shook my hand and said, “Finally.” He started and graduated from Knox later than I did. Finally, indeed.
It has been over 7 years since I started my journey in ministry. When I started, I didn’t know how my journey would unfold. I certainly didn’t think 7 years. It was a long and challenging, but fruitful journey. I don’t regret the path I’ve walked to get here one bit. ‘7’ is considered a perfect number. Yes, there were times when my future felt uncertain. But I waited. I knew in my heart that if God really called me to this path, God will take care of me, no matter what. And God did.
Isn’t that why we can wait even when it’s hard? Isn’t that why we persevere even in difficult times? We can wait and persevere because we have hope. We are hopeful because we know that we belong to God.
Last week, we reflected on Jesus’ last prayer for his disciples. Jesus entrusted their future to God because he knew that they belonged to God. I said people whom we love all belong to God. But don’t leave yourself out of the equation either. You belong to God just as much. You are his. God will take care of you, no matter what.
This is not just some wishful thinking. It is what God revealed to us in Jesus. God came down to be with us in the flesh. The risen Jesus promised to send his Spirit to be with his people after ascending to heaven.
On the Day of Pentecost, the Spirit that Jesus promised came down upon God’s people. The Spirit remains with us and leads us in our journey of faith. The Spirit reminds us that we belong to God.
St. Paul also experienced this reality. He knew about God. He also heard about Jesus. But he never experienced the Spirit’s presence and power. When he encountered the Spirit, everything changed. He saw that he belonged to God. That’s why he was able to say it clearly in Romans—
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God… The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Romans 8:14, 16
The Spirit instills hope deep within our hearts. Hope that is from our wishful thinking dies quickly. It has no power. It can only distract us for a moment. Hope that comes from the Spirit has the power to keep us going. It gives us the power to wait patiently.
Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 8:25
The meaning of ‘patiently’ in its original word is related to the word ‘perseverance’. When we say we are waiting patiently, we aren’t waiting passively. We are eagerly waiting, with joy and expectation.
But I say all this with the understanding of how difficult it is to wait. Especially when we don’t know exactly when what we are hoping for will come.
Some people feel this way about their academic or career aspirations. Some people feel that way about their romantic life. Some people feel that way about their health and well-being. They do all they can to put in their work. Yet, they don’t always see the fruit of their effort. They cave under the weight of uncertainty. They drown in their own dark and hopeless thoughts.
Don’t give up just because it is hard. Do not lose hope. Feeling ‘in-between’ is part of our journey of faith. Remember that you belong to God. Find your solid footing in him.
The Spirit is not only with you, but the Spirit will help you. The Spirit will not leave you alone. The Spirit will help you journey through the dry season. The Spirit understands deeply how you are feeling.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
Romans 8:26
Continue to walk boldly in your journey with faith. With the Spirit’s help and guidance. Even when you don’t see visible, concrete results, God is always working for you. You are not the only one working hard. God is working behind-the-scenes, for your good. Because you belong to God. So, right after the end of today’s passage, St. Paul declares with confidence—
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Do you believe that? I do.
At the presbytery meeting, there was a person who recently decided to go into ministry. She worked as a banker for many years and made a drastic career change because of her calling. She told me she was somewhat anxious about her future. So, I shared what I shared with you in the beginning. If God truly called you to this, he will take care of you.
Live each day with that hope. God will bring all things to completion. Be confident about where your hope comes from. Share that hope with those around you who need it. You will be a witness to what God is doing in your life. That is what it means to be a child of God in this world.
Leave a Reply