Suffering, Then Glory

Exodus 5:23; Romans 8:18

God’s people in Egypt had been crying out for deliverance from the hard labor forced upon them by Pharaoh and his task masters. After a long period of time God finally responds to their cry by sending Moses to be their deliverer. Redemption had finally come and God’s people are going back to the land that was promised unto Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. There was only one problem: Things would get worse before they got better!

The Hebrew people thought that Pharaoh would just relinquish his stronghold over them and just let them leave without any resistance. They were far from wrong. They had to work a little harder before they could be set free and because of this they grew weary. I can imagine them saying If God is almighty and for us why are we having to wait and suffer longer? It is a fair question but yet also one that need not to be asked when you understand God’s dealings with his people and the world.

We too after a couple of years of dealing with Covid and unrest wonder why we as God’s people have to suffer along with the rest of the world due to their ungodliness and disobedience. Their harsh treatment of Christians and Christian ideas seem to indicate a vindication instead of their manipulation towards values that we hold dear. We too, as Israel of old find ourselves working harder to maintain the convictions and standards that this country once held only to be weary in well doing and coming to a place of despair.

The lesson we learn in our text is that before the glory of the exodus there will be the sufferings that proceeds it. But without suffering there can be no true glory. We as God’s people will never long for the new heavens and new earth until we get tired the present heavens and earth. We will never grow uncomfortable in this world until we get out of our comfort zone. C S Lewis said that “The reason we cannot feel at home here is because God has made us for something better.” This world is not our permanent home and we are pilgrims and strangers just passing through it. As we do we will experience pain and suffering and as we near the end of the age it will only increase. But I am reminded of what Paul wrote to the Romans, “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worth to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us.” To enjoy glory at its fullest we must be willing and able to endure suffering. The great experience of the believer when the fullness of our redemption comes is not only will we see glory around us, it will be revealed in us!

Pastor Robby