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Rom. 8:18 – For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Rom. 8:18 – For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
In understanding the Father’s purpose in the suffering and death of the saints, it is easy when in the throes of personal crisis, to desire for Him to operate differently than what we know He has made known for this age. This is natural, as our heart yearns to see our loved ones recover and abide still with us in the flesh. So often our esteem for the “light affliction” consumes our minds, and we lose sight of the “eternal weight” that the Father has designed to be at work by it. We might pray with natural compassion, but at last we must be controlled by “spiritual knowledge”; and while this may pain our hearts, we (like the Savior) are to pray in submission to the Father’s revealed will concerning sufferings for our brethren.
In understanding the Father’s purpose in the suffering and death of the saints, it is easy when in the throes of personal crisis, to desire for Him to operate differently than what we know He has made known for this age. This is natural, as our heart yearns to see our loved ones recover and abide still with us in the flesh. So often our esteem for the “light affliction” consumes our minds, and we lose sight of the “eternal weight” that the Father has designed to be at work by it. We might pray with natural compassion, but at last we must be controlled by “spiritual knowledge”; and while this may pain our hearts, we (like the Savior) are to pray in submission to the Father’s revealed will concerning sufferings for our brethren.
Nevertheless, with a mind sanctified by truth, we understand that their departed state is to be “far better.” While “to live”, for those of us that remain, “is Christ”, our hearts must remember that for them all that awaits is “gain” as they find themselves “present with the Lord.” When the “earthly house” is vacated and the chain of mortal flesh is done away, the weightlessness of the spirit set free from the burden of sin by Calvary’s cross ascends to appear in the presence of God. While the last moments of many are some of their worst while on earth, that momentarily affliction is eclipsed by eternal joy that shall never again be soured with the bondage of corruption.
Nevertheless, with a mind sanctified by truth, we understand that their departed state is to be “far better.” While “to live”, for those of us that remain, “is Christ”, our hearts must remember that for them all that awaits is “gain” as they find themselves “present with the Lord.” When the “earthly house” is vacated and the chain of mortal flesh is done away, the weightlessness of the spirit set free from the burden of sin by Calvary’s cross ascends to appear in the presence of God. While the last moments of many are some of their worst while on earth, that momentarily affliction is eclipsed by eternal joy that shall never again be soured with the bondage of corruption.
While separation is a pain and sorrow that grieves our souls for the time present, let us fix our hearts on things above, and be ever mindful that this sorrow is only for a season. We have not lost them! Our tears of sorrow may flow unrestrained as our hearts ache for their absent fellowship, but in the presence of the Lord they rejoice and await our arrival with glorious expectation! Today we cry alone; tomorrow we rejoice together!
While separation is a pain and sorrow that grieves our souls for the time present, let us fix our hearts on things above, and be ever mindful that this sorrow is only for a season. We have not lost them! Our tears of sorrow may flow unrestrained as our hearts ache for their absent fellowship, but in the presence of the Lord they rejoice and await our arrival with glorious expectation! Today we cry alone; tomorrow we rejoice together!
Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Published by Joshua Edwards
Joshua Edwards is an ambassador for the Lord Jesus Christ who is dedicated the to the communication of sound doctrine as set forth in the pages of God's word. He desires to have all men to be saved by believing the gospel of the grace of God, and thereafter to come unto the knowledge of the truth by establishment in the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (Romans 16:25).
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