Originally Presented: February 18, 2007
Scripture Reading: Romans 5:3-5
In Romans 5:1,2 we are treated to the reminder that the fountain of all joy is to have peace with God through Jesus Christ. So wondrous is the reality of reconciliation with God that Paul exclaims that "we exult in hope of the glory of God."
What appears in the very next verse is an absolutely stunning statement. "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations . . ." How is such a thing even possible? Whatever the meaning of this verse, it is not at all an isolated statement in the Scriptures. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials" (Jas 1:2). "And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast [same word as 'exult' in Rom 5:3] about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me" (2 Cor 12:9). (cf. Mt 5:10-12; Acts 5:40,41; Phil 2:17; Heb 10:24; 12:10,11; 1 Pet 4:13-16)
Questions rise immediately from this passage. What exactly is being said here? In what is our exultation? How is it possible to have joy in the middle of trouble? One key to understanding comes from the word 'knowing' in Romans 3:5. If there is going to be any rejoicing in our trouble, we must know something. We must remember that "tribulation brings about [or 'works'] perseverance. There is a process going on in our troubles . . . a work in our souls. This process of purifying and shaping us into Christ's image does not result in spite of our troubles, but because of our troubles.
There is a certain joy that rises from the knowledge that there is purpose, infinite and glorious, to our troubles. We are not happy about the pain of suffering, but we can greatly exult in the wondrous process, trusting our souls to a faithful Creator.
