Hebrews 11:36-38
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
These are not the recorded events that you would expect to be found in the Bible. These people that served God faithfully suffered terribly. Some had nothing but difficulty and many died a cruel and horrible death. You may say, “I didn’t think it was supposed to be that way if you followed God.” You may even look at these people as failures, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Look at the beginning of verse 38. “(Of whom the world was not worthy:)” is the summation of God concerning these people. He declares that they were great spiritual successes because of their devotion. He also reminds us that this life is not the end of the story. The reward of eternal life in the presence of God forever is a reward far beyond this earthly realm. There are certainly blessings now and things that can be accomplished, but this life is but a vapor compared to eternity. Blessings here pale in comparison to the blessings over there. Because of their unwavering service for God, he will reward them, and the “weight of glory” will prove it was worth it all.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 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.
If we stand for God, it will not be popular. The Bible says living godly brings persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12) But living for God is the only life of true value. Investing your life for God brings eternal dividends and the greatest of them all is to be in the eternal presence of God, worshiping and praising him, for he alone is worthy. So, keep on keeping on for the Lord.
In Christ's Service,
Bro. Adrian Moore
2 Cor. 4:5
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