Focus: 2 Timothy 2:12 - KJV
12. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
2 Thessalonians 1:4-7
The idea of glory for the believer comes with Christ being resident in him, as the hope of his glory. What that means simply is not necessarily having the mind of some vainglory in this present world; but a greater glory with Christ in whom he is found as joint heir of God, to reign in the world to come, after having suffered for His sake in the current space. And since that in which we hope is much more glorious than the present suffering, we keep faith in Him and refuse to deny Him, no matter what.
Is persecution and tribulation sweet? No. But we are called to endure the sufferings in them that we may truly qualify for the glory ahead. Imagine having to go through pain because of the lies told against you by someone you had hitherto entrusted your being; or hunted around like a prey by someone with whom you thought you had a relationship and love, yet enduring and not avenging yourself. Such is the calling of the believer and with such lies the hope of greater glory when the Lord shall come, having not avenged oneself or deny the Christ because of momentary pain.
The Lord is saying to us believers today that we need to hang in there and not despair because of the pain we are going through for the sake of Christ, particularly coming from those to whom we had shown love. He is grooming us for the glory ahead. For as long as Christ is formed in us and we do not deviate from, or deny Him, we are headed for some glory that eyes have not seen nor ears heard nor come before to the thoughts of any man. Wait for it: it is not so far from hence.
Please pray:
Father, I thank you for the gift of Christ and having Him formed in me. Help me never to lose sight of or deny Him ever, no matter what the world may throw at me, in Jesus’ name. Let the hope I carry for having you, never be lost to tribulation or persecution, in Jesus’ name. Above all, please help me to forever operate in righteousness which indeed is my affirmation and non-denial of you, in Jesus’ mighty name.
Please share with others. God bless you.
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