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 8:23-25 ESV
Firstfruits...
the taste of what is to come...
at the time of the full harvest...
Firstfruits of the Spirit...
the wonder of living currently in the year of the Lord's favor...
this odd time of promise for Believers...
The time of His eternal indwelling power...
housed in our still corrupt deteriorating flesh...
Though our outer self is wasting away,
our inner self is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV
The taste of life in the Spirit...
fills those who believe...
with longing for perfection... eternity...
We groan... at gray hairs...
wrinkles...
aches...
pains...
weakness...
because our hearts have experienced...
have seen... something better...
Like creation...
Believers wait with eager longing...
for His return...
for the fulfillment of the adoption...
the redemption of bodies...!
This is the hope... the awaited expectation...
for which we have been saved...
the promise of something more...
more than we can ask for or imagine...
but not yet see...
So we hope... wait...
with patience...
steadfastness...
endurance...
perseverance...
because it is the promise...
of Him who cannot lie...
