Groaning - Pastor's Pen for 8th June 2025

Waihi Beach from forest loop track

Last Friday I ran the forest loop behind Waihi Beach. 'Ran' is probably something of an optimistic overstatement given the hilly nature of the terrain. There are two sections of native bush, a reservoir, some cut-over forestry which reminded me of Riverhead, a border on some famland with the old-school Kiwi sign 'Dogs will be shot' in evidence. Every waterway had a sign reminding users of the trail to watch for Salvinia, an invasive water weed. Native birds could be heard. Indigenous fauna and flora clamour to maintain a foothold alongside introduced species that are either pests or have some commercial value.

The creation groans as the beauty of nature mixes with the various well-meaning but sometimes misguided interventions of human beings (Gorse and brush-tailed Opossums being examples of the misguided additions). This reminds me of how the spiritual life comes to us. God's kingdom interventions mingle with the brokenness of our world and chaotic randomness of our lives. Apostle Paul wrote to the Roman church; "We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now;  and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.  For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Rom 8: 22-25)

In this Pentecost season, we recall that God's Spirit has come to us, giving guidance, healing, life and comfort, boldness and strength to our spiritual lives. Except we find that this divine intervention doesn't result in instant blessings all round. We still have to wrestle with disappointment and disease, grief and grumbling. So many things are sub-optimal in our lives. We have to hope for what we do not see.

Paul has it right when he teaches that we have the Spirit, who makes our lives better now. Yet there is still an element of hope and faith required, a life that is taking shape in the light of the coming kingdom and Christ's return. The Spirit helps us in our weakness, and intercedes for us. This is Gods will. Shalom