“The Spirit
Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if
children, then heirs– heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we
suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 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. For the earnest expectation of the
creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” (Romans
8:16-19 NKJ)
Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if
children, then heirs– heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we
suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 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. For the earnest expectation of the
creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” (Romans
8:16-19 NKJ)
Children should
never be surprised when they look and act like their parents and ancestors. As
disciples of Christ, it should not be an odd thing to be different from the
world. Instead, we should find it very uncomfortable when we conform to the
world.
never be surprised when they look and act like their parents and ancestors. As
disciples of Christ, it should not be an odd thing to be different from the
world. Instead, we should find it very uncomfortable when we conform to the
world.
Disciples of Christ
practice an odd lifestyle. Regularly, we indulge ourselves in definite times
for celebratory worship. Yet, we also practice self-denial with definite times
of serious reflection about this life relative to the next.
practice an odd lifestyle. Regularly, we indulge ourselves in definite times
for celebratory worship. Yet, we also practice self-denial with definite times
of serious reflection about this life relative to the next.
We don’t like
suffering, but we know it is a reality of this fallen world. How we wish that
“sufferings” did not exist! Christianity isn’t now and never has been
an easy “row to hoe.” Living by authentic faith in Christ will always
provoke the enemy. Disciples may expect cold stares and rejection and hatred .
. .
suffering, but we know it is a reality of this fallen world. How we wish that
“sufferings” did not exist! Christianity isn’t now and never has been
an easy “row to hoe.” Living by authentic faith in Christ will always
provoke the enemy. Disciples may expect cold stares and rejection and hatred .
. .
But the harsh
realities of this life do not change the glory that will be revealed in us in
the Father’s house. Paul encourages us to consider: “If in this life only
we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (1Corinthians
15:19 NKJ). Our challenge is to deal with this life in earnest expectation and
hope!
realities of this life do not change the glory that will be revealed in us in
the Father’s house. Paul encourages us to consider: “If in this life only
we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (1Corinthians
15:19 NKJ). Our challenge is to deal with this life in earnest expectation and
hope!
O the glory that
awaits those who suffer with Christ! O the inheritance of those who eagerly
await for an eternal revelation! We are heirs of God and joint heirs with
Christ! God suffered for us and it should not surprise us to suffer with him.
But our sufferings here cannot adequately be compared to the glory of an
eternal, never-suffering body in our Father’s house. Instead, we should focus
on showing our eager desire for going there.
awaits those who suffer with Christ! O the inheritance of those who eagerly
await for an eternal revelation! We are heirs of God and joint heirs with
Christ! God suffered for us and it should not surprise us to suffer with him.
But our sufferings here cannot adequately be compared to the glory of an
eternal, never-suffering body in our Father’s house. Instead, we should focus
on showing our eager desire for going there.
Dear Father, thank
you for Christ and Calvary. Surround us with the earnest expectation of
eternity in your house. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for Christ and Calvary. Surround us with the earnest expectation of
eternity in your house. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Reflect today on
your inheritance and promised glory,
your inheritance and promised glory,