20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.
Not only we but all of creation awaits the glory of the sons of God—that’s us. It will be the great “coming out” celebration, where we will be presented before God and all that has been created. And finally creation will be free from the curse pronounced in the Garden of Eden: “Cursed is the ground because of you [Adam]; in toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you …” (Gen 3:17a–18). We see now that the curse extended to all creation. That which was good (repeated by God five times during the days of creation) and that which was very good (at the creation of humankind) has been “subjected to futility.” The word can be translated as emptiness or vanity, that is, without meaning. A truly meaningless life is one that is unredeemed and unrestored to God’s original intention.
Why is a sunset beautiful, a flower exquisite or a cool drink on a hot day refreshing? Apart from a right relationship with God, these ultimately have no meaning in the universe. Humans seek meaning through philosophy, science and creative endeavors, but these are all completely and absolutely vain if there is no meaning for human existence. And that is the futility of the curse God placed on creation—there is simply no meaning apart from being right with God. Such a life is a bondage to fleeting emptiness.
The irony is that creation itself was not a willing partner in the fall of humankind, but it has suffered collateral damage. This damage can be seen in so-called natural disasters. While a planet with violent weather extremes, horrific volcanic turbulence and jarring earthquakes may seem rather neutral, the fact that it is inhospitable to humankind speaks to its being cursed. Nothing is “neutral” in God’s sight, for everything was made for His glory, with the supreme “very good” being assigned to the creation of His image bearers. Thus, anything in creation inhospitable to humans is not good.
But someday creation will be set free from this alienation from the enjoyment of God’s image bearers (remember again, that is us). We will someday relish to the max all that God has created. We will experience the universe as He intended it to be enjoyed. For if all was created for God’s enjoyment, then our hope is that we too shall one day enjoy and glory in all that God has made.
Lord God, Creator of the universe, heavenly Papa, I look forward with great anticipation to enjoying all that You have created as my inheritance from You.
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