In physics there is a law called the Second Law of Thermodynamics. The law states that the entropy of an isolated natural system tends to increase. In other words, every system, galaxy, and even the universe itself, continually moves toward a greater state of disorder rather than order. For a simple example of this, just look at a child’s room. When left to its own upon, it tends to become more and more messy rather than more orderly and clean.
This law of physics is also a law of human nature. It is the same for you, me, our family, and our community. We all are broken people moving towards disorder and and disillusionment because of the power of sin at work in us. But, we are not an isolated system. Something…or better yet someone has acted and brought order and life where there was disorder and death. Our God is a God of mercy. He has sent his son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins. From this good news, we see the Glory of God.
“For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4: 5-6)
This passage goes on to express how we are afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and yet not destroyed. (v. 8-9) We are not overcome because of the work of Jesus’ death on the cross. Although the world around us, and even our own bodies at times may feel like they are breaking down, we know that the Spirit is continually working to bring about life in us.
Moreover, it isn’t just us as individuals. Our community is of the same spirit of faith. (v. 13) We are not alone in the midst of our suffering and we will not be alone as the Spirit brings life out of suffering.
“Knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.” (v. 14)
We are told not to lose heart in the midst suffering because our Spirit is being renewed every day. All of these truths come together to give thanksgiving and glory to God. We know that the natural world is continually moving toward a state of disorder and death, but God has already begun the work of recreation right inside of us!
Behold 