The present is our only suffering time. As,
therefore, our sufferings are but partial so they must be
short. Time, at best, is not long. But what is our time? Like the
insect, we are born, flutter about and die in a day. True, an hour's
suffering appears longer than twelve hours' pleasure; but the sufferings of all
time will be as nothing if compared with the joys of eternity!
For believers in Jesus, sufferings are confined to
earth; they cannot enter heaven; they are confined to time;
they cannot run forward into eternity. Present sufferings will introduce us to future glory. Our
sufferings are only those of children who are going home to take possession
of the family inheritance.
If the inn is not pleasant; we shall leave it tomorrow! If our conveniences and comforts are not now
first-rate; they soon will be! If the road is rough; we have only to pass over it once. If the weather is harsh; it will very soon be fine;
storms are not generally very long-lived. We get nearer home every day! The last pain will soon be felt; the last groan
will soon escape us; the last conflict will soon be ended. We shall soon cross the threshold of our Father's
house!
Soon, very soon, we shall be absent from the body and be
present with the Lord. Our glory is prepared; it only waits to be
revealed. Glory and honor are to be brought unto us at the appearing of
our Lord Jesus Christ. It is laid up for us in heaven. It is reserved in
heaven for us. When Christ who is our life shall appear—then shall we also
appear with him in glory.
"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed,
we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human
hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling!" (2
Corinthians 5:1-2) What, O what will it be to be clothed upon with our heavenly
dwelling! How shall we feel when we inhabit a body which is spiritual,
powerful, incorruptible, and immortal!
Is it not a wonder that, in this world of sin and sorrow,
suffering privations and sorrows, pained as we are both in body and mind that we
do not look, long, and cry aloud for the coming of Jesus! If we sympathized with
the sorrows of others if we were properly affected with the groans of a
suffering creation if we desired as we should the manifestation of the sons of
God surely, surely, we should daily, yes hourly, cry out, "Come, Lord Jesus!
Come Quickly!"
[James Smith]
✞ ✞ ✞
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ... For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Mark 4:30 ... And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
Mark 4:30 ... And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
1 Corinthians 2:9 ... But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Romans 8:18 ... For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.❤
