A smoother way to glory?'
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"They encouraged them to continue in the faith,
reminding them that they MUST enter into the
Kingdom of God through many tribulations."
Acts 14:22
The Lord has chosen that His people should pass
through deep and cutting afflictions, for it is "through
many tribulations" they are to enter the Kingdom of
God above, and into the sweetness and power of the
Kingdom of God below.
But every man will resent this doctrine, except God
has led him experimentally into it. It is such a rough
and rugged path—it is so contrary to flesh and blood
—it is so inexplicable to nature and reason—that man,
proud, rebellious man, will never believe that he must
"enter into the Kingdom of God through many
tribulations."
And this is the reason why so many find, or seek to
find, a smoother way to glory than the Lord has
appointed His saints to walk in. But shall the Head
travel in one path—and the members in another?
Shall the Bridegroom walk and wade through seas
of sorrow—and the bride never so much as wet her
feet with the water? Shall the Bridegroom be crucified
in weakness and suffering—and there be no inward
crucifixion for the dearly beloved of His heart?
Shall the Head . . .
suffer,
grieve,
agonize,
groan,
and die—
and the members dance down a flowery road,
without inward sorrow or outward suffering?
But, perhaps, there are some who say in their heart,
"I am well convinced of this—but my coward flesh
shrinks from it. I know if I am to reach the Canaan
above, I must pass through the appointed portion
of tribulation. But my coward flesh shrinks back!"
It does! it does! Who would willingly bring trials
upon himself? Therefore the Lord does not leave
these trials in our hands—but He Himself appoints
a certain measure of tribulation for each of His
people to pass through. They will come soon enough;
you need not anticipate them; you need not wish
for them. God will bring them—in His own time
and in His own way.
And what is more, God will not merely bring you
into them, but God will bring you through them,
and God will bring you out of them!
It will be our mercy if enabled to ask the Lord . . .
to bless us with faith and patience under tribulation;
to give us strength to bear the storm;
to lie as clay in His hands;
to conform us to the image of His Son;
to guide us through this valley of tears below;
and eventually to take us to be with Him above!
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