Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. --NKJV In the name of Him Who will one day bring all our suffering to an end, amen.
We as Christians can expect to suffer. Why should we expect anything less? Our Lord Jesus suffered in the most horrible ways while on this earth. Therefore should we, who are baptized members of his body, fair any better? To be sure, the levels of suffering among Christians will differ. Some will suffer more, some less. The suffering of some Christians may not be evident to the world. It may be nothing more than the inner turmoil of struggling with sin and the attacks of the devil. Other Christians may suffer in very noticeable ways through personal tragedy, or physical persecution, or even martyrdom. It is a given that all Christians will suffer.
But the Lord Jesus keeps our eyes focused on the goal in this little passage. He teaches us patience to endure whatever suffering comes our way. In His Word and Sacraments He gives us the tools we need to persevere in the midst of suffering. These means of grace point us to heaven and actually bring heaven to us as we struggle. In heaven there will be no more suffering. In fact, we will be glorified in such a way as to wipe out the effect of the suffering we endured and the pain it brought. Amen.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, we thank you for the promise that one day our suffering will end and we will be taken to heaven where we will be glorified. Give us the patience to wait for that day and be with us as we suffer here in this valley of death. Forgive all our sins and grant us the constant peace which comes with knowing that the suffering of this present time is not worthy to be compared with the future glory. Amen.
Copyright 2002, Reformation Lutheran Church http://ReformationChurch.org