I came across this verse a week or two ago as I was reading my Bible.
...and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:2)
And it just struck me like it never has before. Christians are able to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. So???
Hope, in the Bible, is not a nebulous idea. It's not a vague wishing for the impossible. It is a confident watching for something that is definitely going to happen.
The hope of Jesus Christ's return makes us purify ourselves as He is pure. (1 John 3:2)
The hope of Jesus Christ's return brings us comfort when believers die.
The hope of God's glory makes us rejoice.
We rejoice because we are certain-God is going to be glorified in every situation.
That sinner converted-God is glorified.
The gospel preached-God is glorified.
That mass shooting-God will be glorified.
That death-God will be glorified.
That cancer diagnosis-God will be glorified.
That infidelity-God will be glorified.
That financial crisis-God will be glorified.
Did you notice the change in tenses there? In some instances, we can see exactly how God is glorified. In other instances it may be more obscure. But, the fact of the matter is, we rejoice because we have the assurance that God will be glorified. He will be lifted up, worshipped, praised. In all circumstances. Even the horrendous ones. Maybe especially in the horrendous ones.
Of this I am confident.
For Thou hast created all things and for Thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11)
Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee: the remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain. (Psalm 76:10)
Do we believe this? Do we live like we believe this?
Something to ponder on a Monday...
