Consummation
“For I consider 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) The Apostle Paul’s writings and perspective on life have had a monumental impact on the way Christians have viewed suffering. When the topic of suffering appears in Paul’s writings you often find it counterbalanced with a discussion of eternity and heaven. If we had a larger than life teeter-totter and on one side sat all human suffering experienced throughout history and on the other side sat the glory of heaven, Paul believes that the goodness of heaven would exceedingly outweigh the evil of this world. In his mind there is no comparison.
In fact, Paul describes our suffering as being “light” and “but for a moment” compared to eternity. (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18) This would be hard to swallow theology if Paul had never personally experienced any suffering. Yet, Paul was no stranger to suffering. His firsthand accounts of suffering in life and ministry validate his claims on the matter.
“Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of water, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness – besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” (2 Corinthians 11:25-28)
The good news of all good news is that one day we will be united with God and Christ in heaven. Jesus has gone to the Father’s house to prepare a place for each one of his children to call home. (John 14:2,3) Heaven will be no ordinary place. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) There will be perfect peace, perfect love, perfect joy and most of all, the “Perfect One”. (1 Corinthians 13:10-12) We will be united to our Savior and He will be united to His bride and for all of eternity, there will be a holy, happy celebration. When we compare this future glory to the present sufferings of our day, we will agree with the psalmist who said, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”
(Psalm 84:10)
When a good friend of Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy asked him whether or not he’d bring his deceased son James back to life, in light of his understanding of heaven, he responded by saying, “No, I wouldn't. I would not want him back with what I know about heaven." Mr. Dungy grieves over the loss of his son and at times misses him dearly, but with an eternal perspective he was able to accept his loss and his son’s gain. “That's what helped me through the grieving process -- because of Christ's Spirit in me, I had that confidence that James is there at peace with the Lord, and I have the peace of mind in the midst of something that's very, very painful.” (Ref. 1)
Creation, Cross, Consummation
It’s comforting to know that God is unhappy over Creation’s fall. It’s wonderful to discover God’s redemptive plan in the Cross. It’s inspiring and hopeful to think of the future with our Savior in heaven, yet we still struggle with the seemingly meaningless experiences of suffering that continue to exist today. The question may arise within our hearts to ask, “Why can’t God stop suffering now instead of waiting until heaven?”
Fortunately, God has not only given us hope for the future, He also has a plan for using today’s suffering as a means of greater gain. Or as best put in the words of Joseph to his brothers, “you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20a) The remaining four “C’s” will emphasize how God uses suffering in our lives and how suffering can bring about a greater good and bring God greater glory.
