Daily Bread – April 4, 2024 (The Fifth Day – Genesis 1:20-23) Romans 8:18 – For I calculate that this that befalls us now for a season is not worthy of the glory that is about to be revealed in us. The Glory To Be Revealed How are we supposed to deal with the suffering and pain we encounter here in this life? Paul, who had more than his share of opposition and turmoil, reveals to us how to live life free from discouragement. All we need to do is realize how the hand of God is shaping us for greatness – both now and in the future. We must realize He is not only with us through these things, but He is so close to us we are under His shadow (Psalms 91). We must realize whatever “groanings” we may encounter today will be overshadowed by the glorious liberties of tomorrow. As a result, we will not lose our confidence and joy, which will result in a great reward (Hebrews 10:35, 3:6, 11:26; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 8:28-39). Jesus endured the sufferings of the cross with joy realizing it would result in our salvation and His exaltation (Hebrews 12:2). We are also called to share in the same sufferings of Christ, which are all about advancing the Gospel – but it must be kept in the same perspective (Philippians 3:10; 2 Timothy 2:12). However, many of the things we go through are simply Father’s desire to give us something far better than what we have now (1 Peter 1:6-7; James 1:2-3). The glory that is about to be revealed in us is the glory of the resurrected body. We know we are now the sons of God, but the resurrected body has not come into being yet – and so as John puts it, “does not yet appear”. However, the magnitude of the glory that shall be revealed in the resurrected body is on the scale of seeing God as He is because we shall be like Him (1 John 3:2). Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 4/4/2024
