At a recent dinner I attended, I was privileged to enjoy a fairly deep conversation with a couple of pastors whom I highly respect. And most conversations with me eventually include the topic of going through trials. Yep, I’m a real fun gal to invite over…
The young man talked about his recent study in Hebrews and how he was reminded that, as believers, we really are exiles in this world. This is not our final home. From Hebrews 11:14-16, we read:
For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
The chapter had been referring to some great men of the faith, including Abraham, who left his homeland with no idea where God was leading him or exactly why. I won’t take time for the whole story here, but suffice it to say the story eventually ends with Abraham in the Promised Land and in covenant with God – the same one believers embrace even now.
But the text is certainly applicable for us today. “… they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.” Oh yes, I definitely desire THAT place, don’t you?! But let’s hold off on that thought for just a bit.
Being an exile in a foreign land is nothing like going on an exotic vacation. It involves leaving behind all that’s familiar, often much of who and what you love, living a life of uncertainty, and never knowing if or when you might go back home. In short, it is a life of trials. And that’s how we circled back to MY topic!
Going through trials, or just living life in this sinful world, is often called “bearing your cross.” Sometimes we flippantly or jokingly remind someone that whatever inconvenience they’re dealing with is just their cross to bear.
But, oh what a disservice that does to our true Cross Bearer. The physical, emotional, and spiritual agony that Jesus experienced on the cross on our behalf is something we will never comprehend. But we must be thankful for it, and respond to it.
At this point, the more seasoned pastor reminded us that these days are, in fact, the days of the Cross. Days when we still struggle with so many challenges in this life. Death, disease, heartache, suffering and TRIALS are all the result of our fallen world.
But, he also reminded us that the days of the Crown are ahead for all who have put their trust in Jesus and HIS cross.
So overlaying all that ugliness we just identified is an amazing hope that I know keeps ME going through my time of the Cross. It’s a hope like no other and it gets me out of bed in the morning; it helps me focus on this ministry; it reminds me that God makes it all right in the end. That’s exactly what I need to put everything else in its proper place.
I must say that the whole idea of trials and a future hope was not a foreign topic for me. But to look at it as the dichotomy of the Cross and the Crown was a fresh perspective that I love! I hope it provides some clarity for you as well.
The Bible is full of scripture texts about the upcoming crowns, but here are just a few of my favorites to close out this post. May God see you through this Cross-Bearing life and see you TO the hope of the Crown.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day,
and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,
for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life,
which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 ESV
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
Isaiah 62:3 ESV