1137. The Now of Suffering
The Now of Suffering
"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations" (1Pe_1:6).
1. Saints suffer now, that is, only in this world. "In the world ye shall have tribulation." In the New Jerusalem saints will never suffer. "God will wipe away all tears from their eyes." In the New Jerusalem there shall be no more pain, no sorrow. The former things will have passed away. Saints may suffer now, but only now; never then.
Ofttimes the world seems to be getting along better than the Church; the sinner seems to have less trouble than the saint. It was at this that the Psalmist marveled. When he saw the prosperity of the wicked; when he decided that they were not in trouble like other men, his feet well nigh slipped. He could not understand it. It looked to him as though fidelity to God brought trouble instead of bringing peace and prosperity. Only when he went into the sanctuary and saw the latter end of the wicked did he understand. Then he saw how suddenly they were brought down and were in terror, receiving the due reward of their sins.
Christ very plainly said, "Woe unto those who laugh now. They shall mourn and weep." But to those who suffer now he said, "Rejoice, for ye shall laugh."
2. Saints suffer for a season, that is, for a little while. Peter said, "After that ye have suffered a while" (1Pe_5:10). Who is there unwilling to go forth and weep, when they know that they shall return with rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them? Who is there that would refuse a cross, if they knew it would bring a crown?
Paul put it this way: "Our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." What then should be our attitude, as we suffer?
We should look not at the things which are seen, the present suffering; we should look at the things which are not seen, the eternal glory. We should remember that sorrow will endure but a night; that joy cometh in the morning. Our anguish at best is brief. So, let us step outside the camp and bear His reproach.
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR