Unimaginable

 "Blessed, you that weep now: for you will laugh," Luke 6:21.

Inherent to the sky kingdom: God's promises, God's future present. Kingdoms of this world aspire to life, liberty, and the pursuit of one's happiness, in this world. Do they deliver? Consider today's news - how happy are its people? Yet, citizens of the kingdom of heaven, who yet live in this world, recognize God's kingdom operates on a different plane. Dying to self, slavery to Christ, pursuit of others' good. It doesn't sound like fun at all. In fact, sounds like a recipe for sadness. But Jesus says it's like a mom giving birth. Labor's no fun at all. Anxiety and grief during delivery. Inevitable part of the deal. But then! All that's forgotten when the baby comes. Like Sarah of old, laughter! Worth it. The sky kingdom's rigors yield unimaginable happiness.

We acknowledge the real sufferings of a brother or sister. Too, we hear Scripture: Present sufferings are not worth comparing to future glory. So we live, now, resting in Jesus' laughter tomorrow. And together we give thanks.