We are bound for glory

Good morning, everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Sound doctrine, strong faith”

Our Bible verse for today: “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits – we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8:22-23 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “We are bound for glory”

I have always loved Romans chapter eight. Not only does it contain some of the most important doctrinal truths in the entire New Testament, but it is also so uplifting and encouraging. However, this chapter, and especially the passage 8:18-25, will always be special to me for another reason.

I once preached a sermon on this passage. As I was writing that sermon on my laptop, I was sitting in a hospital room with my very sick wife, Linda. Her health had been seriously compromised for many years to begin with, but now she also had COVID. However, at that time, as I sat there with her in that hospital room writing that sermon, I thought she would be in the hospital for a few days, receive the treatment she needed to get well, and then be released to go home.

I had just written the illustration I referred to in yesterday’s devotional regarding how the character Macbeth was in the depths of grief as he faced the death of his wife, Lady Macbeth. In his deep despair he cried out, “Life is but a walking shadow; a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” Macbeth was crushed and inconsolable over the death of his wife, to the point he was feeling hopeless. And no kidding, almost immediately after I wrote those words, Linda’s doctor came into her room and told me that Linda’s case of COVID was the worst he had seen and at this point, there was no way she could recover from it. She was dying and she didn’t have long to live.

I had no idea as I was writing that sermon and quoting those words from Macbeth (to illustrate the kind of despair some people experience and never get over), that Linda was about to die and my own faith would be tested in the very same manner as his was in that scene.

I thank God that when Linda passed (and especially afterwards), that I had the presence of Jesus, the promise of Romans 8:18-25, and a good church family to walk through that time of grief with me. That was the primary difference between us and Macbeth and his wife. Linda and I had Jesus and the promise of eternity. They did not. Studying that passage and writing that sermon on that day was divine timing. It was God’s way of preparing me for what was about to happen.

In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Paul wrote that all the trials and tribulations associated with this lifetime, including death, will be shown to have been light and temporary afflictions when compared to the eternal glory that is waiting for us. This is a critical and foundational doctrine of our Christian faith. It’s essential that we embrace it and live by it. The truth is that we might be groaning now, but we are bound for glory.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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