2 Corinthians 4:17

New International Version (NIV)

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all

For Meditation

When he was young, the elementary school (Standard Seven) certificate was his goal. It was a certificate every kid cherished; for it gave the achiever a literate status in the community. Older folks would solicit the brilliant ones to read and write their letters for them, and that was status and prominence. Most important things is, the certificate came with job opportunities so, John studied for it with all seriousness. The town was small and without electricity. He therefore studied with a local lamp, which billowed black smoke that could reduce one’s life expectancy by about five years. Yet, nothing deterred him.

The news spread very fast. John had passed with distinction. The local council offered him a clerical job. However, before he could start, John got admission to a top secondary school in the nation. Much more work of studying for the Ordinary and Advanced Level Certificates ensued. Finally, John walked in front of a huge crowd, with family and friends, to claim the coveted undergraduate certificate. What a journey for a village boy whose only ambition was the Standard Seven certificate and a job at the local council! But with each certificate, the former lost its luster and appeal.

The day came, when John’s family and friends gathered in his dream house, as they often did in the past for parties. But this time, John was in his coffin. His certificates, which decorated his office, were displayed on his cold body. They were buried with him; and his office walls gladly received another person’s certificates. But that day, the ants had a good meal for a party.

1. Cold, isn’t it? But do you know that John’s experience is the experience of all of us?
2. How many of us will take any of the certificates we kill ourselves for out of this world (1 Tim. 6:7)?
3. How many of us know where our elementary school certificate is or have it hanging on the wall of our office? But how did we feel on the day we received it? Yet, we suffered through difficult times for every certificate, which is temporary and with fading glory. So, who are the real beneficiaries? The ants in our final residence!
4. But for us who are going through tough times and serious strains in our Christian race; do we have any idea the glory that awaits us before our Savior (2 Tim. 4:8)?
5. For, if you thought the day you walked to receive your doctoral certificate at Yale was the best day in your life, wait until heaven opens to receive you before Jesus!

I pray we will remember, when things get rough for us, that considering the glory that awaits to embrace us in heaven, the troubles we face now pale into insignificance (2 Cor. 4:17).

So: May we confront our problems with courage and boldness in the Holy Spirit; and for the joy set before us, may we endure our cross daily, scorning its shame (Heb. 12:2)!

Our hope of glory in Christ is worth every pain and suffering we endure in His name.

Shalom