The Weight of Glory (3) Consequences not Calamities

“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” 2 Corinthians 4:17

Affliction – What are afflictions?  Loss of job?  Illness?  Disability?  Accidents?  Natural disasters?  War?  Famine?  Neglect?  Abuse?  What things are on your “affliction” list?  My guess is that your list doesn’t include a single one of the things that Paul has in mind.  I don’t mean beatings, jail time, shipwrecks and torture.  That’s not what Paul is thinking about.  Paul is focused on consequences, not calamities.

The word for “affliction” (thlipsis) is pretty severe.  It means “the things that crush or break”.  So, you would be technically correct to list all those hardships mentioned above.  But Paul knew all about hardships and he just wasn’t interested in the general category of “things that crush”.  In Paul’s dictionary, and in the vocabulary of the early Christian church, affliction meant something special.  Affliction is what I suffered as a result of my confession of Jesus as Lord.  Look at Hebrews 10:33 or 1 Thessalonians 3:3.  These things that crush are not just typical twists and turns in life.  These are very special tribulations.  They are the direct result of proclaiming Jesus.

Have you lost a job because you stood up for Jesus?  Welcome to the Affliction Club?  Have you been jailed because of Jesus?  You’re a member.  Have you suffered poverty, abuse or prejudice because you were faithful to Him?  You have a seat in the clubhouse.  But if you thought going through a hurricane or being downsized gave you membership, think again.  This club takes only those whose lives have suffered because Jesus is their Lord.

Now you can perfectly well understand why Paul says that the things that crush don’t carry much weight.  They are easy to bear (light) because they are the merit badges of traveling the road to Golgotha.  They come with carrying the cross.  And they are given in honor to those God trusts with His Son’s name.  If you want to see the picture in stark relief, read Acts 5:26-42.  The apostles were grilled by the Jewish council and then beaten nearly to death.  When they were released, these men rejoiced that they were counted worthy by God to suffer for the name of Jesus.  As the whips cut into the flesh of their backs, each second they could cry out, “Father, forgive them just as He forgave me.”  That’s light affliction.

Have you had the privilege of suffering for His honor?  If you have, you know nothing of the crush.  You only know the joy that God considered you worthy.