December 15

For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. — 2 Cor 4:17 BSB

The Hebrew word for "glory" literally means "weight," and the Apostle seems to reference this by connecting the ideas of weight and glory. There is a natural link between something weighty and something solid or substantial. He describes future glory as something solid, lasting, and enduring—completely unlike the light, fleeting concerns of the present time, including our temporary afflictions.

The Apostle seems to focus on the overwhelming greatness of the glory to be revealed compared to our current capacities, both physical and mental. It's as if he’s saying, "In our current limited state, with our weak minds and frail bodies, we couldn’t bear the weight of the immortal glory prepared for God’s people." As the Scriptures say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him."

The glory of heaven would be too much for us in our present condition. God said to Moses, "No one can see me and live." When John saw the risen Lord in his vision on Patmos, even though he had leaned on Jesus' chest at the Last Supper, he fell at His feet as if dead. We need to have our souls purified from sin and expanded to their full immortal potential, and our bodies transformed to be like the glorious body of Jesus, so that both body and soul will be able to bear the weight of eternal glory. As the Apostle says, "We do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life."

But there is something more in the word "glory" that shouldn’t be overlooked. In that beautiful chapter, John 17, Jesus prays, "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me." This is the "weight of glory" the Apostle speaks of—not just freedom from sin and sorrow, not just seeing Christ as He is, but beholding and enjoying that indescribable glory that the Father gave to Him. This glory is all the fullness of God’s nature, revealed in and shining through Christ’s humanity. The fullness of this glory is reserved for God’s people, who will see Him as He is and know Him even as they are fully known.

We catch glimpses of it when Christ is revealed to our souls, when heaven opens to our faith, and when His beauty and blessedness are made real to our hearts through the power of God. But the "eternal weight of glory" cannot be fully comprehended in this life.