The Eternal Weight of Glory

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Recently, I tested a simple bible study method of note-taking directly off the passage. This usually involves a copy of the passage, either a screenshot that you can write on digitally on an iPad or tablet, or in my case written out into a notebook. Then, you make highlights, underlines, and write notes as you read the passage. Ordinarily, it would look something like this:

The point is that devotional time doesn't always have to be in tidy full sentences or long paragraphs, sometimes it can just be a collection of notes on a passage that already has plenty to say to us!

For this post, I have put my notes into some simple bullet points (especially since this is typically a well-known passage that doesn't need much introduction).

• "So" - because of the cause of the gospel, as spoken of in preceding verses. "So" is one of the transitional words used often in the epistles that should always make us pause and look back at what came just before. In this case, chapter 3 ends with speaking about how we are being transformed more and more into the image of Christ.
• "Inner self" - we are not promised outer or physical (or even visible!) restoration. The heart and soul are the focus of this renewal. 
• "Renewed day by day" - It's not an overnight, one-off, or even linear transformation. Day by day implies that every day work is being done. It is an ongoing process. 
• "Light, momentary" vs "an eternal weight" - There are two direct contrasts here: light vs weight, and momentary vs eternal. This life and the next are opposites, in the best way possible! Also, think about the picture of an "eternal weight of glory": that's a lot of glory! 
• "Unseen, eternal" - It's so easy to focus only on what we see and for that to consume our lives, but as believers we ought to be continually consumed with the unseen eternal, because we know that that is what is most important. 

What a comfort this passage is to us, if we take the time to sit and dwell on it! 

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

1 Peter 5:10-11

Thanks for reading!

Suggestions for prayer:

• Adoration: Father you are in control, you are sovereign and your timing and plan is perfect.
• Confession: I so often doubt your plan for me and rebel against what you have laid out for me to walk through.
• Thanksgiving: Thank you for this glorious reminder that you have the very best in mind for me even when I don't see it. Thank you thank you carry me through the suffering and trials of this life to a glory prepared for me!
• Supplication: Please help me to remember to walk in light of eternity, and in the knowledge that whatever I must walk through now, you are with me and I can and ought to trust you fully to carry me through into that great eternal weight of glory.