“In a loud voice they sang: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'”
Revelation 5:12
In heaven, not only will our sufferings win us merit, the sufferings of Jesus will have an eternal perspective, too. Our Lord will be honored as the slain Lamb. His sufferings will never be forgotten. Unlike us, He will always visibly bare His wounds to the universe, and for that, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will enjoy praise as never before!
If any dark demon in the corner of the universe ever doubted the righteousness of God in stooping to rescue debased sinners, he’ll be set straight. No evil spirit will dare accuse God of having defiled His purity in order to redeem wicked men. No one will question God’s righteous reputation for having condescended to save sinners. God’s righteousness will be beyond question! In fact, the sacrifice and suffering of Jesus was of such massive worth and supreme value, that God’s righteousness will shine even brighter. For it will be shown that God in His wisdom was able to rescue sinners, redeem suffering, crush the rebellion, restore all things, vindicate His holy name, and provide restitution…and come out all the more glorious for it! Heaven will show this. And we will praise Him for it for all of eternity.
You have something eternally precious in common with Christ — suffering! No angel or archangel will ever fully grasp the sweet union which affliction has refined between you and your Savior. In heaven you won’t praise the suffering, but you will praise the wisdom and the power of God in using it to drive you to the cross, as well as showcase His righteousness and mercy for all of eternity.
How unsearchable is Your wisdom, O God! I praise You for Your awesome plan of salvation and the way You use affliction to showcase Your mercy and grace. I look forward to heaven where it will all be made plain!
