CITIZENS OF HEAVEN

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, NASB)

Devotion 16 of 24

SUFFERING AND HEAVENLY REWARDS

God has a reward for His people. It exists now, is great and will be brought to us by Jesus Himself when He comes again. A similar condition exists in respect to the suffering of God's people. An inheritance is presently "reserved" for them "in heaven" (1 Pet 1:4). However, they are currently qualifying for that inheritance. This qualification is not a justification by works, and is not to be confused with that heresy. In the words of the Spirit, "Therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering" (2 Thess 1:4-5, NASB). Salvation by grace, and justification by faith, are never to be viewed as meaning they are independent of our involvement.

Suffering is directly proportionate to the glory that awaits us. It is only to the degree that we "suffer with" Christ that we will "reign with Him" (Rom 8:17). If we can see it, our sufferings are increasing the extent of our participation in glory. The Spirit says it this way. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor 4:17-18). When we suffer for Christ's sake, it only increases the weight of glory, enlarging our portion in the world to come.

Allow me to be more specific on this point. The inheritance has already been determined; it only remains for us to enter into it--and sufferings are the appointed means of doing that. Remember, Jesus spoke of a "kingdom" prepared for us "before the foundation of the world" (Matt 25:34). Jesus also spoke of lofty positions in His kingdom being for those for whom they have been "prepared" (Matt 20:23).

It is not my purpose to shroud the situation with mysticism, but to affirm that sufferings reveal our heavenly circumstance. Great sufferings reveal a great reward! Little wonder that the Apostles, when grievously beaten by the Jewish leaders, departed from their council "rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41)! They were citizens of heaven, and the opposition of those who were not heavenly minded confirmed that situation! The intensity of their rejection on earth highlighted the extent of their acceptance in heaven! Reasoning from their sufferings, they were able to conclude great glory was reserved for them.

If you, dear child of God, have experienced the heartbreak of rejection because of your faith, rejoice and be exceedingly glad! Your reward in heaven IS great! The Lord has determined to give you an abundance in the world to come. That is the reason you are suffering here! Your sufferings are "a plain indication of God's righteous judgment so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering" (1 Thess 1:5).

PRAYER POINT: Father, I praise You through Jesus Christ for a reward so great it can be accented by suffering for righteousness sake.

-- Tomorrow: TREASURES IN HEAVEN --