When his glory is revealed

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).

Whenever we go through hardship or adversity, it’s good to remain tethered to sources of help. Unfortunately, one of the things some people do is isolate themselves—from friends, from the church, and sometimes even from their own family.

Everyone’s situation is somewhat different, and I appreciate the complexity. But it’s important to stay connected to people who God may have put into our lives as a source of his own grace.

In addition to remaining tethered to sources of help, it is also wise to intentionally reflect on the hope that the Lord gives to us.

In 1 Peter 4:13 the apostle provides a reminder about this when we are suffering like Christ: “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

When Peter talks about his glory being revealed, he is referring to when Jesus comes back. In other words, even though we experience suffering in the here and now, it won’t always be that way. For the people of God, when Jesus returns all pain will be gone, every tear will be wiped away, and everything will be made new.

Imagine two kids at a week-long summer camp. One had a good time and was happy to see her parents at the end. The other child had a horrible time. She was lonely, didn’t like the activities, and her cabin got bedbugs. As a result, she was really, really happy to see her parents at the end. They were both happy to be reunited with their parents, but the splendour of the reunion was greater for the one who had a bad time at camp precisely because it was a rescue from something very unpleasant.

In a similar way, we will be extra happy when Jesus’ “glory is revealed” because of the difficulties we are experiencing while on earth. This may not end your hardships tomorrow, but it is a much-needed word of hope for the weary. Suffering is temporary. Rescue is coming. Glory is on the horizon.

“But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

Notes:

-“Suffering Like A Saint.” Click here. Sermon. 
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.