“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.” (Romans 8:18)
All the suffering, the trials, tribulations and temptations, all that befalls us that causes negative responses in us is not worthy to be compared to the eternal joy and pleasures that await us in the Kingdom of our Father and the presence of the Lamb. Indescribable joy and contentment beyond anything we have ever known, peace forever, loved forever.
I wonder here, have you ever contemplated all those adverse items that the Lord has allowed to come into your life against the fires of hell or the eternal damnation and hopelessness of the second death? Think on those who reside in hell today, desiring not only the good things they once knew, but also the minor pains and inconveniences of the life they knew here, the sorrows they complained about and even cursed God for now seem as nothing, they plead for a single drop of water.
“But Abraham said, Son, 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) The Most High gave the rich man good things and Lazarus evil things in the life they lived on this earth. Can you hear Job say, “What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:10)
This is not so much a short letter about the decisions as to what the Almighty has decided to give us in this life as it is our response to it, knowing with assurance our end, the promise of eternal life to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of their soul. What is too difficult for you here in this short span we call life with that knowledge, with the unquestionable assurance that you are one of the chosen of God, a child of the Lord God Himself?
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil. 4:11) Because of that knowledge.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jer. 29:11) Because of that truth.
You must contemplate here those that the Lord Jesus Christ was speaking to when He told them of the rich man and Lazarus, those of the children of Abraham, those who kept the Mosaic law given to them and saw the keeping of it as their own righteousness in the sight of God. Both the rich man and Lazarus kept those laws. One went to hell, the other to the opposite side of the great chasm that separated hell from paradise.
Works could not save the rich man and that is what those in attendance heard that day, faith in the promises of the Lord God saved Lazarus, grace through faith, not works.
Enoch was translated, taken to heaven bodily because of his faith, Job was righteous in the eyes of the Lord, but need to be shown that his own righteousness was as a filthy rag in the sight of God. “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.” (John 8:56)
By faith, not by works.
Not one single work that you do is acceptable for your salvation before Almighty God, only the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ was. “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31)
Compare your pain today, your sorrow, your trials to the pains of eternal damnation or to the glory that awaits you if you have been born-again, and you will find them a lite thing.
You can only find contentment here with the assurance of your salvation, that the price was paid in full, that you will be with the Lord for all eternity. Without that assurance you will never know peace, you will never be content. Good or evil matters little to those who have been crucified with the Lord Jesus Christ, the promises stand firm in either case.
