- 147. Glory
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
Glory is the outer manifestation of an inner character. The righteous character of God dwells within us, but it is presently covered with sin and self. When sin and self is dead the glory will shine brightly. The glory that will be seen is an exceeding and eternal weight. The Hebrew word for “glory” is heavy. There is a spiritual heaviness to the presence of God. His glory is like a person with gravitas, only a million times more so. This kind of glory is shared with us.
The glory in us that will be revealed One Day is directly connected to “affliction.” The connection is this: every affliction, whether a light irritation or a heavy tragedy, works glory. Every affliction, and all of them together, works a greater glory in us throughout life. God uses every event, every problem, every burden, every care and every affliction to work something positive in our character. This is a comforting promise we need to remember in time of need; the more and the greater the affliction we experience the more and the greater glory is worked in us. Therefore, the Christian can thank God in every circumstance, for God is using it to build something good. It will not feel good at the time, but we believe it anyway.
The affliction is but for a moment. In the midst of affliction it feels like it will be forever, but the Word says it is for a moment: this too shall pass. The passing, momentary affliction is working something eternal, which will never pass. God is working an eternal character and personality in each believer; He is developing him into what He designed him to be. God will not waste any temporary experience, but He will use it to create something that lasts forever.
The affliction is also light; light contrasts to the exceeding weight of eternal glory that God is working in us. Every affliction, no matter how heavy it feels, is described as light. Believe what God says about it: not only is the affliction short in duration compared to eternity but it is also a light burden compared to the weight of glory. Sometimes an affliction really is light even to us, and we think it so light that we can handle it ourselves; it’s no big deal; it’s not a problem. However, the Lord will use even the slightest irritation to work a heavy glory. This promise encourages us to give every issue of daily life to the Lord, no matter how light the load or how impossible the problem. When God has access to our issues and struggles He can work wonders. We can’t wait to see what God has worked by turning all our afflictions into glory. Be patient with faith in the promise. Wait and see how good is our God.