It Will be Worth it All

By Peter Crause

 

1Co 13:12 for now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

 

There is a song we sang many years ago; some of the words of which I mention below:

 

          It will be worth it all

          When we see Jesus

          Life’s trials will seem so small

          When we see Christ,

          One glimpse of His dear face

          All sorrow will erase

          So bravely run the race

          Till we see Christ!

 

So often in our journey through life as believers, we lose sight of “Zion”; lose sight of our destination; lose the desire and will to carry on; wonder if it really is worth it all. The vision grows dim as the journey seems to drag on endlessly. The cares and concerns of life make sharp inroads into our resolves; sidetracking us from what the depths of our beings ardently long for. The effectiveness of the Word seems to be “choked by the cares of the world”; worldly values being brought to bear on us daily. We seem to be in a “slough of despond” (Pilgrim’s Progress by Bunyan).

 

Our meditation today is to uplift and encourage the journey weary traveler; to refresh the soul; to renew the lost vision of glory – to sharpen our focus and look beyond the veil. Four things are enumerated in our scripture reference:

 

-         We have limited vision now. What we see or understand is limited by our humanity. The “reflections” of glory we see are partial and incomplete. There are times the clouds roll away and a clearer view is afforded, but most times it is a clouded and unclear vision. We see enough to create a desire for more; but because of pressure from without and uncertainty of mind, we sometimes lose sight of the finish-line and the desired prize.

 

-         There is coming a day; “soon and very soon we are going to see our King”; a day when we will no longer see shadows and reflections; a day when the view will no longer be partial; an unclouded and glorious walking into the Divine Light of His Presence. It will be a day we will see our beloved Lord “face to face” – hallelujah! “What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see. When I look upon His face; the One who saved me by His Grace. When He takes me by the hand; leads me through the Promised Land! What a day; glorious day, that will be!” Can you envision it today? Can you sense the Holy Spirit lifting your spirit in encouragement? Can you take strength from the “vision” to carry on? Can you feel inwardly that “it will be worth it all” – the difficult journey to our celestial home? He’s waiting for you! Don’t give up; I can confidently and assuredly confirm today – It will be worth it all.

 

-         Currently our knowledge is very partial. If it were otherwise, God’s people would all think, understand and believe the same – wouldn’t they? There would be the “absolute” unity in knowledge and purpose that ministries are here to lead us into. However lofty a goal this is, it will only be reached in that future day. Our knowledge is incomplete. We have been given only enough to fulfill our purpose in this life. Peter says we have all things we need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3). Moses said the secret things belong to God, but the things revealed are for us. (Deut 29:29) There is so much more! Paul says in Ephesians 2:7 that it will take eternity to unfold to us the “riches of His Grace”. Don’t ever think we have it all now! Full understanding is coming – to give us so much more will and desire to worship our Lord throughout eternity.

 

-         We will know as we are known. How are we known – by the Lord that is? Is there anything He doesn’t know about us? Is there anything we can hide from Him? He knows every atom of our beings! He knows every thought and intent in what we do. Nothing is hidden from the eyes of Him whom we serve. And still He loves us – in spite of all this! He knows our past, present and future. All things are exposed to His omniscience; thus He is able to care for us by His omnipotence. He is God alone – we are known! We may be insignificant and unknown in society; but to the Lord we are known and very precious. Take heart dear ones. But Paul says that someday we will know as we are known. This revelation is breathtaking! Can I know God in this fashion? Will He eventually allow us to view Him and understand Him fully? We can only wait with bated breath to see this promise unfold.

 

Dear ones today – lift up your heads! Strengthen the weak hands and the feeble knees (Isaiah 35:3). The King is coming! “I just heard the trumpet sounding – and soon His face I’ll see! Praise God, He’s coming for me!

 

Yes dear ones – It Will Be Worth It All!