| The Ministry of Comfort |
Chapter 6 |
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This vision would seem to teach us that those redeemed ones who on earth have had the most affliction; in heaven attain the highest honour. Their robes are whitest, indicating surpassing purity. They bear palm branches, emblems of victory, showing that they have overcome in life’s struggles. They are nearest Christ, too, among the glorified, verifying the promise that they who suffer with Him shall also reign with Him.
The Scriptures contain many words which receive confirmation in this glimpse within the gates. We are told that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. The way into a life of spiritual blessedness is through pain. In the messages to the seven churches we have glimpses of great privileges, blessings, and honours which are within the reach of the followers of Christ. One shows us the tree of life in the paradise of God. In another we see a crown of life waiting to be put upon the head of him who is faithful. In another the lifting of the veil reveals to us hidden manna, and a white stone, with a new name written on it. In another it is power that is promised, authority to rule. Other of these visions show us white garments and the name written in the Book of Life, an honoured place in the Temple of God, and, last of all, a seat beside Christ on His Throne. But all of these heavenly prizes are shown to us beyond a field of struggle, and he who would win them must first fight the battle and be a victor. “To him that overcometh,” runs the promise in every case. Not to overcome would be to miss the prize. Not to have the trial and the struggle would be to stay in lower, lesser blessedness.
We do not know what we owe to our sorrows. Without them we should miss the sweetest joys, the divinest revealing, and the deepest experiences of life. Afflictions are opportunities. They come to us bearing gifts. If we can accept them they leave in our hand heavenly treasures. Not to be able to receive the bearer of the blessings is to miss the blessings and to be poorer all the rest of our days.
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