Debtors to God

Paul is finally getting to the conclusion of his argument that he began several chapters (and Sundays) ago. All of his going back and forth between flesh and spirit brings him to our reading for today. While his argument was not perfect nor his illustrations always clear, he was leading us up to one fact; we are children of God. Although he even muddies these waters a bit when he calls us children of God yet reminds us that we wait for the Spirit of adoption. Although we should not put much worry into this contradiction. Paul is trying to explain God’s work which is, at some point, unexplainable. He also may be quoting a hymn that the Romans sang to share with them that he is not really saying anything that they did not already know. Or, he may be saying that we are, at the same time, children of God and waiting to be adopted as God’s children. As Luther said it, at the same time sinner and saint.

This is not something that is surprising to you. Look around. You see it everywhere. In fact we have pondered this (already but not quite yet) aspect of being God’s children. You have expressed it by proclaiming that, when you get to heaven, you have some questions for God. (Although, I would guess, that once there you will no longer need to know the answers.) Yes, we look around and we see that contrast. Good people suffer while evil ones prosper. We pray earnestly but God does not do as we ask.  We are not alone as Paul’s letter attests to. As I have been saying these past several weeks, he wrote this letter because the Christians in Rome were suffering and wondering why. Impatient and expecting great things they found nothing changed in their world and lives. When they experienced change it was that, by being a Christian, they had more trouble and suffering. 

While Paul reminds them that their present trouble and suffering is not comparable to the glory to be revealed, he is not telling them to grin and bear it and they will receive their reward. He is  reminding them that there is work to be done. It is not just us who groan for the revealing of God’s glory – it is the whole of creation. And we are the first fruits of that revelation. What does it mean to be the first fruits? First, a slight digression. I can remember the first fruits from my childhood. After a long winter of eating fruits and vegetables out of a can, my sister and I would often fight over who got to eat the first ripe strawberry, apple, tomato, and even bean. The sweetness and freshness was such a change from the old canned food. (We have lost this in part with modern day food offerings.) The first fruits were also what you gave to God in thanks for the harvest. 

You are the first fruits of God’s salvation. That means that you are called to give yourself to the world, flavoring it with God’s joy, peace, and love. Yes, yes, I know that is an impossible thing to do. The world has too many problems and no one really cares about God anymore, just look around at all the empty pews. But that is not our concern. Our concern is to share the gifts of God with the world. If it is received, wow that is good. If it is rejected, we are still the first fruits of God’s salvation. But then, who knows what might come from the seeds of peace, hope, and love that you plant. For the strength to carry on is given to you – that is the hope and faith that the Spirit has filled you with.