August 12, 2020

Glory in Tribulations – Romans 5:3-10

We are living in turbulent times. Covid-19 continues to spread throughout the world and bring many changes to our daily routines. Some businesses do not have employees back to the office on a fulltime basis, while other businesses have closed completely. Schools are trying to decide if students will return to in-person instruction, learn online, or a combination of the two. Professional sports have restarted, but they are playing in empty stadiums. Major cities continue to experience rioting and looting. Life has changed dramatically since early March.

Paul tells us in Romans that as Christians, “we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Rom. 5:3-4. The trials we are all facing at this moment have certainly caused us to preserver in many ways that we had not expected prior to this spring and summer. Persevering through these times refines our character, and gives us hope that tomorrow will be a better day. However, the hope that earthly things will improve is not the hope Paul is describing. “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Rom. 5:5. Rather, Paul was describing the hope from God that we possess based on the Holy Spirit. This hope is based on the death and resurrection of Jesus.

“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will on die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:6-8. The death and resurrection of Jesus shows the Father’s love for us. He sent his Son to die on the cross so that we may have our sins forgiven. While men were still separated from God by sin, he sent Jesus to save us from His wrath. “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Rom. 5:9-10. Imagine, sacrificing your Son to reconcile with your enemies. That’s exactly what God has done for us. Our hope is not just based on what will happen in this world, but in eternity. We are all saved by His resurrection from the dead. Giving us our hope for eternity, to allow us to glory during any earthly tribulations!

Mark