Groaning. This is what we all tend to do when we hear or experience something painful or when there is a burden on our heart, and when we long for the restoration of one of our burdens, it can be said that we “groan”.

King Louis XIV of France had such a burden, and he was known to “groan”:

“We need what?”

“We need a hospital and retirement home for our invalid war veterans,” King Louis XIV exclaimed. “People will appreciate what I am doing for our finest soldiers!”

“But how will it be funded? Those kinds of enterprises can be quite expensive!”

“It won’t cost us a cent! We’ll fund it though a 5 year levy on the salaries of our current soldiers.”

“Smart!”

And this is how l’Hôtel des Invalides, the famous hospital and retirement home in Paris, came into existence. Naturally, as it was birthed by a king, it had to also have the splendour of a king. L’Hôtel des Invalides covers an entire city block, and the grounds are completed by an attractive church with a golden cupola. This is by far the most luxurious retirement home I have ever seen!

Just as king Louis XIV “groaned” on behalf of all his poor invalid soldiers, the Apostle Paul tells us that all nature “groans” as well, but for different reasons: “The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 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. 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.” (Rom 8:19-23 NIV)

Since the fall of sin, nature has been plagued with numerous diseases, global warming and ravaging weather patterns, to name a few of its problems. It, too, is tired, and it cannot wait to be delivered from its burden!

As believers in Christ, I hope that we groan inwardly as well, and that we also can’t wait for the day all will be made whole.

King Louis XIV could not fix his invalid soldiers, but he could reward them with a luxurious retirement home. Our King will not only give us a home, but will restore us to full health with an everlasting 5 star body! There will be no more tears shed. Suffering will be snuffed out of existence. Not only will we see our king, but He will insist on spending time with each one of us! In other words, retirement homes will no longer be needed! Hallelujah!

“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3 NIV)

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev 21:4 NIV)

Besides the intestinal groaning that we often experience, especially when reaching the “over the hill” age, do we “groan” inwardly for the day when everything will be restored?

The King is coming! Are we ready for Him? Are we longing for Him?

Rob Chaffart

(To view the entire “La Vie en Rose” devotional series, please click here.)