"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. – Romans 8:18

     One characteristic of the Word of God is that it does not gloss over our plight in this present world. Biblical characters are real people with real problems. Their weaknesses, struggles, sins, afflictions and persecutions are literally an open book before us. We find that their struggles are much like ours and can identify with their trials. Times may have changed, but the nature of man and the curse of sin has continued since the time of our father Adam. One such curse is suffering.

     In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul addresses the sufferings of the Lord's people. Jesus said that we shall have tribulation in this world (John 16:33). Trouble can be expected in our lives. Sometimes it manifests itself in the form of persecution from others. We can also bring tribulation into our lives because of our choices. Physical afflictions, decisions of those around us and seemingly unexplainable circumstances oftentimes cause us suffering too. It is not a matter of `if' we will have troubles but when and to what extent they will affect us. The Apostle had his own share of problems as he ministered to the Lord's people and we should expect nothing less.

     However, when Paul compares the suffering of this present time to the glory to come, there is no comparison between the two. The word `reckon' in our above verse is an accounting term that means to take inventory. When the negatives of the sufferings that are to be endured in this world are weighed against the glories awaiting God's children in Heaven, the positive far outweighs the negative. It is a blessing to know that there is a place far better awaiting us than this present world. In light of our home in Heaven, the problems that we suffer in this world are greatly diminished. Why should we look forward to Heaven? Let us read what John wrote about Heaven in Revelation 7:14-17. Verse 16 indicates that worldly sufferings will cease to exist. There will be no hungering, thirsting or other discomforts associated with this present world. All of the discomforts associated with this life will cease in Heaven. Verse 17 comforts us in the promise that all of our tears will be wiped away. One result of suffering in this world is sadness and depression. As Paul was preaching the gospel there were times that persecutions and despair was at such a point that he and other gospel ministers despaired even of life (2 Corinthians 1:8). Many people have battled despair on this level. You can rest assured that this will not be so in Heaven. All of our despair, depression, mourning, etc. will be taken away in Heaven.

     The primary reason that we ought to be looking forward to Heaven is that our Savior will be there. Note the aforementioned verses in Revelation 7 all point towards Jesus Christ. He is the one that shed his blood to make us white and cleanse us before God (v. 14). He is also the one that shall feed us, lead us and wipe away our tears (v.17). It is not the many mansions that we look forward to but the one who ascended into Heaven to prepare a place for us. As God's elect we have remission of sins through the blood of Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:28). This truth coupled with the encouragement that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus ought to motivate and encourage us to steadfastly look serve the Lord in the midst of problems. If you made a list of your sufferings and compared them alongside the glory that awaits you in Heaven, the eternal blessing of God would overshadow any problems of this world. May God bless us to press forward in the strength of these promises.

Thursday, September 28, 2006

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Michael Green, Jr. is pastor of Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church (www.palmchapel.org) in Crestview, FL. Palm Chapel meets every Sunday at 10:30am and Wednesday at 6:00pm. Pastor Green can be contacted at (850) 689-3383 or by email at pastor@palmchapel.org. Pastor Green warmly invites you to come and worship at Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church

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