The Big Reveal

I'm a "figure it out" kind of guy.  I like a good puzzle, mystery, problem to solve.  I've always been that way.  People probably think I'm morbid because of how often I have watched or read murder mysteries throughout my life, but I really just like trying to solve the case myself.  I always feel good when the story reaches the point of the "big reveal," when the back story of all the characters tell us what really happened, and I had already figured it out.  I feel a sense of satisfaction for picking up on the clues along the way and putting it together.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. (Romans 8:18-19 NIV)

The timing is at the final judgement.  The audience is all of creation.  The big reveal will show who really is on God's team.  All of creation is eagerly waiting for the day.  So are we.

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. (Romans 8:20-21 NIV)

Creation isn't just waiting for the final judgement and the big reveal.  It is hoping that it will be set free like the children of God were set free.  You see, sin brings about decay and death.  Through Jesus, though, we are given life.  We know that our current bodies will decay and die, but that our spirits will be given new eternity-lasting bodies.  We are set free from decay and death.  The Holy Spirit is our "down payment" and reminder of this fact.  But the rest of creation can only watch and wait.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:22-25 NIV)

Since we are in this time of decay and death, with the hope of life everlasting, we need reminders.  We need reasons to hold on to the hope that we have.  We need to pray in the Spirit, so that we ask for things that are helpful during this time of God's plan.  God doesn't want us to be hidden characters in His story.  God doesn't want us to only be seen at the "big reveal."  God has a job for us to do here and now.  Knowing our part of God's plan, though, can be difficult and confusing.  So, we pray.

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 with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. 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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:26-29 NIV)

When we turn to God in prayer and don't know what to say, God fills in the gaps.  When our weakness and situation drives us to despair, God gives us the words.  We only need to turn our hearts to God and God will do the rest.  The Spirit will intercede.  God will lead us to God's will.  Distractions, temptations, and attacks will have no power over us.  We are God's children.  That will be revealed.

How about you?  Do you allow God to reveal that you are God's child?  Will people be surprised at the final judgement that you were on God's team?  Will it be obvious to them?  Is it obvious to them now?