PRESENT SUFFERING COMPARED TO ETERNAL GLORY
We have been given the Spirit of Christ to abide in us, so that we have help in the present and hope for the future. Yet our bodies, and indeed all creation, groans in this present age of sorrow and suffering, while we await this future glory.
Yet the apostle Paul says that what we suffer now, no matter its degree and duration, “is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” For the degree of this future glory with Christ is infinite and the duration, eternal.
The apostle used the imagery of a woman in labor to describe this present time and its longing. For the pains of childbirth are real, but temporary. And soon forgotten when the new mother holds the newborn infant in her arms and looks into its face. So shall we forget our present troubles when we see Christ at His return.
This reminds me of a hymn that my mother used to sing that was written by the Happy Goodmans:
“Well, I started out travellin’ for the Lord many years ago
I’ve had a lot of heartache and I met a lot of grief and woe
But when I would stumble, then I would humble down
And there I’d say, I wouldn’t take nothin’ for my journey now.
I wouldn’t take nothin’ for my journey now
Gotta make it to Heaven somehow
If I could, still I wouldn’t take nothin’ for my journey now”
PRAYER: Dear Father, we live now by the help and the hope you have given us through the Spirit of Christ abiding in us. Yet we long for the day when we shall be with You and share in Your glory. Until then, strengthen us for the journey that we might always bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.