Quite apart from suffering afflictions for the faith of Lord Yeshua and faithfulness to the one true God, our Lord Yeshua teaches us that we will suffer afflictions in common with all who dwell in this fallen present world system. Since The Fall, as recorded for us in Genesis 3, we see that the fallenness of humanity continue to unravel and its corruption grow worse and worse the closer we get to the very end of this age. Thinking on this one morning, into my thoughts came the remembrance that the Lord has told us that He wants us to bear afflictions patiently (e.g. Romans 12:12), and that His grace is available to help us (e.g. Hebrews 14:16). We are also taught that we are to keep looking through eyes of faith to Yeshua the Lord Himself (Hebrews 12:2) and to the sure and certain hope of going Home to the Father in Heaven in His everlasting kingdom (John 14:1-4) hereafter. It’s not that we do not know these things, but rather it is that we are sometimes hindered by life circumstances from meditating on the Lord and His promises sufficiently so as to receive His benefits as needed. It is good – and it really can help -to recall in the midst of afflictions, whatever their duration and type, that in Lord Yeshua we have such a glorious future ahead. Through the grace which comes from our Father in Heaven, this can help us bear the ‘momentary sufferings’ now, if we allow it. It teaches us that we have a sure and certain hope now, today, though “seen” only as through a darkened glass!
Recently such thoughts as above came as I read Romans chapter 8, being struck by the words in verse 24 pointing to the hope that is not in this world neither can be seen by the natural eye. The context of the common sufferings experienced in this life being a “backdrop” as it were, highlighted the hope which saved children of God in particular await – in fact, not only ourselves but creation itself. Consider verse 24 in the context of what the Holy Spirit through Paul the Apostle of Lord Yeshua teaches us at Romans 8:18-25 in particular:
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. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labours with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
What then is ‘this’ hope?
Is it not Lord Yeshua the Messiah Himself and His appearing to gather His Church, or His calling His individual beloved children Home before then? Two Scriptures come to mind just now:
Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
and the words of Paul (highlighted in red) recorded at 2 Timothy 4v7-8:
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Even in our fallen world, there is still much which can inspire feelings of hope: the incredible residual beauty of the natural world in the beautiful planet the Lord made for us to dwell in, though corrupted still breathtakingly beautiful; the residual handywork of common grace crafted into humanity still reflecting something of its Maker, though increasingly dim in these dark days. Consider, how often does an observation of a kind act of one stranger to another, even a welcoming smile from one human being to another though they are strangers, cause something of hope to stir within. More rarely, a truly sacrificial deed well done to another in danger, whether recklessly, or accidentally or even at the hand of a wicked person bent on evil persuades us that there is still hope in this world. At least, for a little while. And isn’t that the point – any hope which is but for a moment, easily dislodged by unhappy circumstances over taking the good observed or experienced, that is not the hope which God intends for us and which He gives us.
The hope which Almighty God has for us is sure and certain, appropriated by His grace through faith in Him. It is the hope of Himself and His word, in and through Lord Yeshua by the power of His Spirit. He is the hope which steadies, which strengthens and gives assurance that despite present varied and varying sufferings, our God, the one true God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, is working out His purposes and will to fulfil all His word. Especially for the people of His covenants – both the Body of Messiah throughout the nations through the New Covenant and His inheritance, Israel through the Covenant with Abraham His friend, confirmed with his son Isaac and his grandson Jacob, from whom the Jewish today people come.
Sometimes it is hard to see beyond the sufferings we experience by reason of its intensity, longevity and/or tumultuous properties, but truly the Most High God, our God, is the One in control. As God said long ago through His prophet Jeremiah to His people, Judah, in their suffering, which then was and was about to increase, ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope’ (Jeremiah 29:11). They, as God’s people, did not know it then and for the most part still do not yet know that that hope is the Messiah Yeshua Himself. That Hope is He who has come in the person of Lord Yeshua, the Son of God, who became the Sin Offering on the cross, allowing His sinless blood to be shed, who died, was buried and rose again on the third day on account of our sin. He is their future hope as the Scriptures foretell, but the present hope now for all who have repented and believe upon Him. He is the hope, not yet seen, but eagerly awaited by all those who love Him sincerely, believing and obeying God.
Our Lord and Saviour never promised us this life will be always or at all easy – on the contrary He lovingly warned us and made clear that ‘in the last days perilous times will come’ (2 Timothy 3:1), that we will have trouble and tribulation in this life (John 16:33) and so forth. Nevertheless, He has assured us that through it all, He is our hope and through believing by the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we can be filled with Him, thus with His sure and certain hope (Romans 15:13).
As we look to Lord Yeshua our Saviour in faith, may we be filled with the Holy Spirit to re-settle us in the midst of present sufferings and fill us with the light of His faithful promises to all who trust in Him and hope in God’s mercies. May the Scripture which comes to mind just now, minister to each who reads the above and is wearied from the spiritual warfare from our enemy which often comes on the heels of sufferings, timely strength and encouragement as you go forward in the Lord and His grace:
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
“For yet a little while,
And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.”
But we are not of those who draw back to perdition,
but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
(Hebrews 10:35-39).
Be encouraged – He the Lord God is our hope (Psalm 71:5a).
Until He comes or calls, Shalom and God bless.
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