Eternal Weight Of Glory

2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV) —

‘For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.’

There are several references in the New Testament to God’s people sharing or partaking in his glory. (See below*) Personally I struggle to grasp what glory means. I think of the splendour and purity of Jesus when he was transfigured on the mountain with Peter, James and John. And I think of how we give someone high honour for something they have achieved or are. Hebrew 1:3 tells us that ‘The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being’. So glory is clearly something very special. But surely glory is due to God alone - so how can we share in his glory, when we have in no way merited it?

But our verse from 2 Corinthians talks about ‘an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison’ that God is preparing for us. Have you any idea what an eternal weight of glory is? Eternity is about endless time, so how can it have a weight and presumably an eternal weight means something infinitely heavy? But whatever this massive quantity of glory is, beyond all comparison, it is being prepared for us, his children! So again we have to grapple with incredible truth, pretty well beyond our comprehension.

Perhaps there are two things we could learn. One is that, paradoxically, it is the short-term affliction we experience as Christians on this earth that is preparing for us this amazing revelation. Remembering this when we are going through struggles, will act as an incentive to keep going and keep believing.

Secondly, we need to look up and marvel at what God is doing, at who he is and what he is planning for us in the future. Let's worship!

 Prayer - Father God you are glorious and amazing. Help me to grasp and hold on to the hope of glory you will reveal to us and in which we will share.

*See Romans  8:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:14 & 1 Peter 5:1