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. In Hebrews 11:25, 26, there is a similar course of reasoning. See how he loads the scales. On the world's side, "pleasures" and "treasures"; on Christ's side, "reproaches " and "afflictions." But with the former he throws in "for a season"; with the latter he casts in "with the people of God"; and in a moment the world kicks the beam. I. THE PRINCIPLE WHICH GUIDED THE APOSTLE TO HIS CONCLUSION IS TO BRING ETERNITY INTO EVERY CALCULATION, and to judge of everything as it affects our eternity. Everything has in it an eternity of consequence. There is not a pain, nor a pleasure, a word, nor a thought, which, either directly or indirectly, does not reach out for ever and ever. Now, to an immortal being, the rule and standard of measurement must be eternity. Ask the man on the eve to "depart, and be with Christ," what he thinks of the affairs of this present life? and he will answer in the spirit of my text. II. THE EXACT POINT OF THE COMPARISON AS IT STOOD IN THE APOSTLE'S MIND. It would have been quite natural to have spoken of "the glory that should be shown to us," as of the object which we are all reaching to in heaven; but it was a far higher range of thought when it dwelt on "the glory that should be shown in heaven in us." For what is that "glory" which is to make heaven? Unquestionably the same to which David looked (Psalm 17:15). Perfect reflection of the brightness of God in our person — of the judgment of God in our intellect — of the love of God in our affections — of the will of God in our motives — of the unity of God in the harmony of our whole being. Everything is "glorious" as it respects or admits Deity. Now every "suffering" here, of body or of mind, has reference to, and affects that reflection of "glory." We Christians are passing through the processes which are essential to our final condition; the school-time, which is preparatory to maturity, or, the furnace, melting the material, making it capable of receiving the impression of its influence. And, if we once admit that, then we hold a chain of reasoning which justifies, nay, reproves, nay, rejoices in every sorrow; and establishes a proportion between the degree of "the sufferings," and the degree of "the glory." The height of the glory depends upon the attainment of the grace; and the attainment of the grace is according to the elevation of the faith; and the degree of the faith is in proportion to its exercise; and the exercise lays among afflictions. And surely the thought of consummation ought to be sufficient to swallow up all the pain of this present world. What, if the body "groans, being burdened," when it is all "but for a moment," and eternity will be spent in rapturous ministrations. (J. Vaughan, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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