5/17/13- Spirit of Adoption

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. (Romans 8:22-25) 

Thoughts: We have been looking this week at how we must wait on the Spirit.  This passage speaks of how all of creation is waiting on us- on our being made straight- being re-deemed.  In fact, the Holy Spirit is the One who wakes us up to this waiting.  We who were blind to our need to be fixed are enabled to see when the Spirit comes to us and makes us alive to God (regeneration).  
      But not only do we see our need to be redeemed but we are given hope for it.  The Spirit adopts us but gives us hope until our adoption is made complete and we are ushered into the presence of the Father.  The Spirit comes alongside us- even inside us to help us get to the Father.
     When a child is left, neglected or lost in our state, the state appoints a "Guardian Ad Litem" to walk beside that child, to oversee the meeting of their need, to make sure the child has oversight and help and hope until that child can get into a permanent and loving situation. The Guardian Ad Litem is the advocate for that child- whose only interest in the situation is for that child. When the child is confused before the judge or their situation- the GAL helps bring comfort and peace- ushering that child into a safe home.  The Spirit is often called our "advocate" who brings comfort and peace until we arrive safely at our ultimate home.   The Holy Spirit, Paul is saying here, is like a guardian ad litem who will never leave us- but lives with us- until we are ushered into God's presence. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank you for being with us as a guarantee of things to come.  Thank you for guarding my heart and giving me hope.