Romans 8:18
Today, I’d like to reflect on the weight of glory. I’d like to look at a passage in Scripture that helps us to see our suffering rightly, and in light of the future hope we have in Christ.
Two summers ago, I decided that I would memorize Romans 8. Amongst the entire chapter of incredible verses I came to appreciate and love, one verse has continued to sit with me: Romans 8:18. In the NIV translation, it says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Imagine! A day when suffering will finally come to a close and our glorification will be ushered in. A moment in history will occur when suffering is no more, and glory is ours to enjoy, forevermore!
Just as my pastor said in a Bible study recently, we will one day be able to endure the glory and presence of God. We will live in perfectly sinless bodies, on the New Earth, clothed in Christ’s righteousness, and basking in His glory, forever. What then, shall come between us and that incredible promise? No suffering is even worth comparing to the weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4: 16-17 (NIV) says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” In the ESV translation, it reads in verse 17 that our light, momentary affliction “is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”
So then, our suffering is extremely meaningful. To say that it is meaningless could not be farther from the truth. Paul says it clearly in verse 17 that our suffering prepares us for glory. And the weight of that suffering pales in comparison to the weight of the glory that is to come. So, somehow, our suffering on this earth is inextricably linked to the glory we will experience in the New Earth. We will remember the pain of this past world, and yet, the world, just like us, will be resurrected, made new; all evil will be gone. Completely eradicated! And what remains is the world made new, us made new, all in glory.
So where does that leave us, for the here and now? I implore us to pull the future into the present moment. The consummation of all things is coming. We must be sober-minded, girding up our loins, ready for battle, and joyfully singing God’s praises as we await Christ’s return. And we can live into the resurrection life Christ has already called us to as we wait for all things to be made new. Suffering is totally meaningful. The coronavirus is bringing about unimaginable suffering. And yet, the suffering it produces for us is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory. Do not lose heart, brothers and sisters. We’re almost home!
