The Main Point – It Will All Be Worth It - Knowing God's Presence in the Dark Seasons of Life

“Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5, ESV)

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5, ESV)

“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:19-20, ESV)

“And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” (Revelation 21:5, ESV)

As we live for Christ, we can move forward because Jesus reversed some things. Jesus reversed the curse of sin and death by becoming cursed himself (Galatians 3:13). He stopped the dark, grinding wheels of the sinful universe by stepping between them. He reversed the broken trajectory of creation and intends to redeem it fully. Christ is bringing all things back to the main point again, and he himself is the main point as he restores, redeems, and reverses things to himself.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth (Ephesians 1:7-10).

All things will one day be aligned with Jesus alone. But we are not there yet. To the followers of Christ, pain serves as a reminder of where we are but also where we are going; suffering points the human mind and heart toward the expectation of a restoration. The very fact that the world is “gone wrong” in sin shows the need for cosmic renewal, an expansive healing coupled with a divine reckoning through which all things are set aright and made anew. Jesus spoke of just such an event in Matthew; “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones” (Matthew 19:28). Jesus made the statement regarding the “regeneration,” that is, when all things will be made perfect by his ultimate deliverance from sin. Creation itself will be restored to a glorious state, and Christ will reign with perfect justice. In Revelation 21:4, John relayed a promise of that future: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

No death. No grief. No sadness. No suffering. No sin.

Only life, joy, peace, purpose, and holiness found only in Jesus. We will live in a newly created universe: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more” (Revelation 21:1). God will dwell in perfect fellowship with his people: “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God’” (Revelation 21:3). And Christ will receive all the glory he alone deserves: “And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’” (Revelation 5:13).

Pain removed. Creation renewed. Relationship restored.

This is why it will all be worth it.

Because Jesus is worthy of all glory.

Reflection:

1. What aspects of the restoration of all things do you look forward to the most?
2. How does the brevity of life challenge you to use our time wisely now?
3. What is one change you will make so that you live in a way that reflects that there is more to come as Jesus aligns all things for the ultimate display of the glory of God?