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Understanding End-Time Suffering and Glory

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." - Romans 8:18

In our journey of discipleship, it’s imperative to grasp the full scope of God’s plan, including the end times. Understanding the end times isn’t merely about speculative curiosity; it’s about aligning ourselves with God’s purposes and preparing for the glorious culmination of history. Just as the apostles integrated the themes of Jesus’ return into their paradigm of discipleship, we too must comprehend the end times to disciple others effectively.

As we delve into the topic, we encounter a profound revelation: just as Jesus’ suffering paved the way for his exaltation, so too will the church undergo a similar path of suffering leading to glory. This concept may seem daunting, but it’s crucial for us to grasp the depth of God’s design and His sovereign leadership over history.

Jesus: The Prototype of Suffering and Glory
When we contemplate Jesus’ life, we realize that his suffering wasn’t merely a historical event; it was a prophetic prototype of the end-time tribulation. From his birth to his resurrection, Jesus embodied the story of Israel, overcoming where Israel had failed. His suffering and resurrection foreshadowed the church’s own path of tribulation leading to glory.

Embracing the Cup: A Matthew 26 Moment
Just as Jesus faced a crucial moment in the Garden of Gethsemane, the church will encounter its own “Matthew 26 moment” in the end times. We will be confronted with the choice to embrace the cup of suffering set before us, just as Jesus did. This isn’t about seeking suffering but about aligning our will with the Father’s, even if it leads to tribulation.

God’s Design in Suffering
Understanding God’s sovereignty over suffering is essential. Just as God orchestrated Jesus’ suffering for a greater purpose, He will lead His people through tribulation to produce glory and bring about His desired outcome. This may challenge our perceptions, but it’s crucial to trust in God’s wisdom and leadership.

Identifying with Israel’s Suffering
As believers, we’re not only grafted into Israel’s blessings but also into her suffering. Just as Jesus identified with Israel’s sin and suffering, so too are we called to share in her end-time tribulation. This isn’t exclusive to Jewish believers; gentile believers will also willingly identify with Israel for the sake of her salvation.

Conclusion: Walking the Path of Suffering to Glory
In conclusion, embracing the reality of end-time suffering isn’t about fear or dread but about aligning ourselves with God’s purposes. Just as Jesus’ suffering led to glory, so too will the church undergo tribulation to be exalted alongside Him. As disciples of Christ, let’s prepare ourselves and others to embrace the cup of suffering, knowing that our momentary affliction will produce an everlasting reward. May we walk this path with courage and faith, trusting in God’s sovereign plan for our ultimate redemption and His glorious return.

Bible Verses:
Romans 8:18 (ESV)
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Matthew 1:18-2:23 (ESV)
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit…”
Exodus 1:22 (ESV)
“Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, ‘Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.’
Matthew 4:1-11 (ESV)
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry…”
Exodus 16:35 (ESV)
“The people of Israel ate the manna forty years, till they came to a habitable land. They ate the manna till they came to the border of the land of Canaan.”
Matthew 10:1-4 (ESV)
“And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction…”
Genesis 49:28 (ESV)
“All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each with the blessing suitable to him.”
Matthew 26:38-39 (ESV)
“Then he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.’ And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’
Mark 13:9-13 (ESV)
“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them…”
Revelation 2:10 (ESV)
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Acts 3:14-15 (ESV)
“But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.”
Job 1:6-12 (ESV)
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, ‘From where have you come?’ Satan answered the LORD and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.’ And the LORD said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?’ Then Satan answered the LORD and said, ‘Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.’ And the LORD said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.’ So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.”
Habakkuk 1:5-11 (ESV)
“Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own. They are dreaded and fearsome; their justice and dignity go forth from themselves. Their horses are swifter than leopards, more fierce than the evening wolves; their horsemen press proudly on. Their horsemen come from afar; they fly like an eagle swift to devour. They all come for violence, all their faces forward. They gather captives like sand. At kings they scoff, and at rulers they laugh. They laugh at every fortress, for they pile up earth and take it.”
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 11:17-18 (ESV)
“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.”
Jeremiah 30:7 (ESV)
“Alas! That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be saved out of it.”
Zechariah 12:10 (ESV)
“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.”
2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV)
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”
Revelation 21:4 (ESV)
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Matthew 24:13 (ESV)
“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”