A Glory Beyond All Comparison
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NLT)
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Notice the many contrasts in these verses: outside and inside, breaking down and renewed, temporary and eternal, seen and unseen. The pandemic has influenced our lives over the past several years with similar contrasts. We’ve experienced highs and lows, elation and sorrow, in- person school and virtual school, and in-person worship and online worship just to highlight a few.
For me, it began with hearing aids. The audiologist said my tests showed mild to moderate hearing loss. Then, the ophthalmologist recommended the removal of a cataract to clear up my vision. More recently, the surgeon reviewed the MRI and said my rotator cuff was not repairable. I would need a shoulder replacement.
Paul writes that our physical bodies are breaking down. It is true we are in the process of dying each day. We don’t normally think about this until we are growing old and, as in my life, body parts begin to wear out.
Paul experienced various levels of suffering and danger. These included beatings, imprisonments, perils at sea and in the wilderness, hunger, and thirst. While these would be very serious to us, he called them minor and momentary. Paul’s perspective allowed him to say, “we aren’t depressed.” How could he do this?
He did not dwell on the present minor problems. Through faith he knew he was being made more like Christ each day. His inner renewal was preparing him for the unseen future, an eternal glory with no comparison.
Prayer: O Lord, help us to fix our eyes on You and not on our daily problems. May we know these are preparing us for something great. Renew us daily so that we can live with You in the eternal kingdom and share in the wondrous glory beyond all comparison. Amen.
For me, it began with hearing aids. The audiologist said my tests showed mild to moderate hearing loss. Then, the ophthalmologist recommended the removal of a cataract to clear up my vision. More recently, the surgeon reviewed the MRI and said my rotator cuff was not repairable. I would need a shoulder replacement.
Paul writes that our physical bodies are breaking down. It is true we are in the process of dying each day. We don’t normally think about this until we are growing old and, as in my life, body parts begin to wear out.
Paul experienced various levels of suffering and danger. These included beatings, imprisonments, perils at sea and in the wilderness, hunger, and thirst. While these would be very serious to us, he called them minor and momentary. Paul’s perspective allowed him to say, “we aren’t depressed.” How could he do this?
He did not dwell on the present minor problems. Through faith he knew he was being made more like Christ each day. His inner renewal was preparing him for the unseen future, an eternal glory with no comparison.
Prayer: O Lord, help us to fix our eyes on You and not on our daily problems. May we know these are preparing us for something great. Renew us daily so that we can live with You in the eternal kingdom and share in the wondrous glory beyond all comparison. Amen.
Tom Woods, Stout Memorial United Methodist Church, Parkersburg, jtwoods@suddenlink.net, Certified Lay Speaker
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