God never explains Himself to man’s reason, nor can reason ever know Him. Job 31:26-28
Nothing else can compare with personal plight. Criticisms and judgments so impersonally thrown in a time of need are so uninspiring. Life in a sin-ravaged world has its effects, taking a toll on those experiencing certain adversities and sufferings. Having eternal hope is not to carry a belief that we’d gain some cozy corner of heaven and live out eternity as ethereal beings.
Scripture clearly depicts the sufferings laid out for each named character, uniquely designed for their end glory. While we may have the fortune to read of their ending and how it worked itself out, we, however, are unable to do that for our own; therefore, our personal pains are pretty top-rated in our own minds.
So what is the value of being in this association with Christ if we’re not enjoying the riches of His glory now? All the great and precious promises can be like an elusive shadow to someone who is experiencing deep, dark seasons of sufferings. Yet, clearly the words read in Hebrews 5:8 regarding Christ,”Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered”. So how can there be relational value toward an inheritance in heaven that also seems elusive?
Our identity with Christ, in that we’re not less likely to suffer (John 15:20) is a nearness that produces internal “groanings” similar to birthing pains. Inheritance is always related to birthright, and if you’re a Christ follower, then you know you’re a “co-heir” with Christ. So heirship has its value in the years of travail and suffering, and in the end one would endure the years having labored towards that end, to enjoy the fruits of such labor or inheritance.
What then is the obedience that Job, or Jesus, or you or I should have to learn? Again, there is suffering for us all simply living in a fallen society and world, but personal sufferings (as a son or daughter) seem so much more dramatic and, from an ill perspective, unnecessary. I say that because none of us likes to suffer. No one should set about from self-effort to boast ‘that I’m suffering the bonds of Christ’ as if some religious badge were being earned. While if it’s true suffering, we are often quite quiet trying to understand it all.
The remainder of that idea of being co-heirs with Christ, which we are (Rom. 8:17) is that we also suffer with Him, in order that we may also be glorified together with Him. So if suffering relates to glory, and glory with inheritance, and pain endures like a cross, etc. now we start to see that what Paul was proposing in this relationship is far greater than just cozying up to Jesus on a hillside for a peaceful picnic and a sermon. Fairy tale Christianity never helps when going through dark seasons in which we can’t even find Him, and all prayers seemingly go unanswered. Is that our recompense for being a faithful follower?
So what is our hope, and what do you and I do with this conflict? Jesus discussed this idea of considering the cost, and of course, with Joshua or David in the lead, there were many battles with numerous casualties and losses. Is it worth it? The longer we walk with our Master, the more difficulties and uphill travel we endure. When will hope be tangible enough for any of us to feel good about our cancer, our loss of a loved one, or our displacement? Being outweighed doesn’t bring to mind any sense of gratification, and yet, that is exactly the attitude one should be thinking.
Hope is above. Seated on a Throne of Glory, high and lifted up. Communion in our spirit with Christ is that his Spirit is working to conform us to the image of the Son so that we might share not only the inheritance of such glories but also commune with Him in his Gratification. What gratifies the heart of God? In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. (Heb. 2:10)
Hope is also ahead. For instance, if those on the West coast were praying for you on the East coast they are, in a sense because of time zones, are praying to God ahead of you. You and I are urged to come with boldness, seeking mercy and grace to help in our time of need (Heb. 4:16) not criticisms and judgments. Christ has been praying way ahead of you (John 17:9), so suffering isn’t un-related as if we’re not of the family of God, but on the contrary, we are a part of His household as His children.
Finally, suffering death to this “self” life is in relationship to the throne of God. (Col. 3:9-10) The cross (daily) brings us into greater view of the eternal hope that is both above and ahead. So now when we view our “birthright” relationship to adversity with this thought, perhaps it lifts our eyes above the dim and at least could encourage us to keep holding steadfast. I certainly don’t discount the pain and suffering that you are going through, nor do either of us know the level of grace that is being transmitted unknowingly behind the scenes, and that is what we each have to trust in. That the goodness of God leads us on in triumphal entry. (Zech. 9:9)
