We arrived back home this evening at about 6:00 pm.  As we were driving back up the beautiful 540 drive I was reminded once again of the wonderful section of scripture in Romans 8…

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 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. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

How much more do we have reason to long to see Christ?  We have been blood bought and adopted, and one day that purchase and adoption will be fully realized in a person, not a place.  That person is Christ!  I feel so tied to this world and want only to increase in being “untied” to it.  I want to redeem the time because these days are evil.  And I am so glad God has called me sovereignly to redeem that time with you, UBC.

I long for each Sunday, as many of you have communicated that anticipation toward every Sunday and the gathering around the Word in worship.  Pray for me as I prepare Saturday to deliver the immeasurable riches of God’s grace in John 4.  I am praying for you.