Give a Little Now, Get a Lot Later

by John Simon

Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

Today’s verse properly follows one of the most popular chapters in the Bible, the “faith chapter.”

The examples of Abel, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Moses, Rahab, and the other people mentioned are worth emulating. Of course, Jesus is our perfect example and the perfecter of our journeys of faith, thus He deserves our greatest attention and focus.

Though our Lord and Savior is infinitely above those mentioned in Hebrews 11, the pattern of faith is similar. Abraham and Moses saw greater value in the Promised Land than in their comfort level in either Ur or Egypt. Abraham saw the impending death of his cherished son as momentary and believed in God’s resurrection power. Christ saw that Calvary would only last a few hours, while His relationship with each of us would last for countless years.

The only way we will be able to withstand the trials and resist the enticements of the present is by trusting God and leaning on His promises for the future.

He will complete our life stories, which He began, with the happiest of endings.

Pray

Dear God,
Thank You that Your Son was willing to look beyond His present misery to the future glory of eternal fellowship with those He created and redeemed.
Help me to be a part of that fellowship.
Help me to consider the unending bliss of the new earth worth so much more than the temporary frustrations, pain, and even pleasures I experience here.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.