Now and Then
Originally posted on 1 November, 2013 by admin
It’s really all about perspective.
“Now” is just so present. Because it’s so close, it looks so big. Because we’re in it, “then” is blocked from view. We forget that “now” is momentary. We forget to look with hope to the future.
Of course, we live in the now. It shouldn’t be thrown away – partly because it is a gift. The present is a “present” – one moment at a time to be lived. And how we live those moments matters! But I think we need to live each moment remembering to look through the lens of “Then”.
Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face….(I Corinthians 13:12)
The sufferings of this present moment are not to be compared with the eternal weight of glory to come. (For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. I Corinthians 4: 17,18)
There is a principle throughout scripture of glory following suffering:
I Peter 1:11…the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow… Luke 24:26…Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? Hebrews 2:9…But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour;…. Romans 8:18…For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us…. Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 (This you’ll just have to look up – it’s too much typing for me right now).
We can be so blinded by the present – by sadness that seems overwhelming – by “busyness” that crowds out our days – by problems that seem so big because they are right in front of our faces….
Take a step back…think of life’s difficulties, worries and sorrows in terms of the really big picture, in terms of “Then” and everything changes.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)
How does this perspective impact today? It gives a foundation of joy.
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15) Even in the midst of pain, we can look up, look to our Lord and find joy in the middle of sorrow. We can cry when we are sad and yet have the comfort of knowing that this is just for now…and one day, now will be then.
But until then my heart will go on singing, Until then with joy I’ll carry on, Until the day my eyes behold the city, Until the day God calls me home. – Stuart Hamblin
Yes, one day…now will be then!
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