Romans 8:18, Enduring Present Time Suffering
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.
When Jesus sends His disciples forth to preach the gospel. He prepares their hearts to expect persecution and inevitable suffering. They will suffer for His name’s sake. He sends them forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. There will be imminent danger. But He also promises them His take care for them. Jesus tells them that if God would take care of the sparrows, surely they are more precious than many sparrows. In fact, all the hairs on their head are numbered. And Jesus sets the example for suffering for the sake of the gospel. The Apostle Peter encouraged believers to learn from the example of their Master, Jesus Christ. He denied the Lord three times and was forgiven and restored after Jesus’ resurrection by the Lake of Galilee. He served as one who has failed the Lord before. He writes to encourage us to persevere in service despite suffering.
1 Peter 2:21-25 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
As one writer puts it, “Your job is not to judge. it is not to figure out if someone deserves something. Your job is to lift the fallen, restore the broken and to heal the hurting.”
Like the Apostle Peter, the Apostle Paul has the right perspective of service concerning the need to endure suffering for the gospel’s sake. His encouragement for us is to look forward to our heavenly reward. When we have fully understood the doctrine of the Christian’s future reward and the value of the work of soul winning, we would find grace to persevere in service. May the Lord help us to endure hardness as a good soldier of the cross. Amen.