11272021 Two Worlds

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the God from whom all blessings flow. It is a blessing just to reflect on His blessings and to realize how much He has done. I trust that many of you were able to have some type of Thanksgiving celebration in the past days and to be encouraged by God’s blessings.

Life is not filled entirely with blessings, and it isn't hard to think of things that we would not consider to be blessings. This past week I was encouraged with 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.”

I noted the contrast in this verse, specifically that there are two different worlds referred to. The first world is this present world in which we live. This world is filled with suffering and pain. We must of necessity live in this world, and it is inevitable that we will experience suffering.

The second world is not specifically identified, but the second half of the verse clearly refers to heaven. Oh, how different that world will be! That world will have no suffering and no pain. Instead, that world will be filled with glory on many levels. Some of that glory will be revealed specifically in us.

The pain that we have experienced in this world will be replaced with glory in that world. Actually, this is not a mere replacement. It is not an equal amount of glory to balance out the amount of pain. The glory of that world will far surpass the pain of this world.

Although this verse does not tell us that the sufferings produce the glory, this is (at least in part) the case. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (II Corinthians 4:16). This verse also speaks of sufferings in this world and glory in the next, and it tells us that the current affliction works to produce that eternal glory. This verse also makes the comparison that the pain of this world is light compared to the abundant weight of glory in the next world.

This tremendous abundance of glory is reserved for those who follow God. Abraham evaluated the conditions of the rich man and Lazarus. Abraham said, “Remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented” (Luke 16:25).

This world is broken, and it is true that in the end God will make all things right. In a sense, however, this is an understatement. God goes far beyond making things right. He will shower us with abundant blessings and glory far beyond anything we could possibly deserve, and this glory will bless us for all eternity.

I trust this truth can encourage us each day to continue forward in spite of the pain, suffering, and affliction. May we rest at peace in the knowledge and anticipation of the glory of the next world.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA