18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.
19 For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God;
20 for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope
21 that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.
22 We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;
23 and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.
1 A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, then we thought we were dreaming.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter; our tongues sang for joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD had done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us; Oh, how happy we were!
4 Restore again our fortunes, LORD, like the dry stream beds of the Negeb.
5 Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy.
6 Those who go forth weeping, carrying sacks of seed, Will return with cries of joy, carrying their bundled sheaves.
18 Then he said, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it?
19 It is like a mustard seed that a person took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and ‘the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.'”
20 Again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?
21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed (in) with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”
