(Credit to Joshua Lee)


04.19.11

"Jesus lived his life in view of the future. He looked to the joy that would come afterward (Hebrews 12:2). We are to live in this same way while we sojourn in a world of brokenness, suffering, pain, and death. Jesus doesn't say to us, 'It's not so bad; every cloud has a silver lining.' Rather, he tells us that our suffering and troubles are real, and in this world, they are here to stay. Hardship and adversity in this world are a heavy burden to bear. However, God has something in store for us that is, in effect, far heavier--a weight of glory that in comparison will make the burdens of this world seem light and momentary. What God has prepared for his people is far greater than we could imagine. A few seconds with Jesus will outweigh seventy-plus years of suffering" (Living in Light of the Gospel Story).