Push and Pull

Chester:

“We wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2.13). We look back to the appearing of grace. But, as verse 13 highlights, we also look forward to the appearing of glory. There is, if you like, both a push and a pull in Christian living. We are pushed from behind by the wonder of grace and we are pulled forward by the hope of glory.

This is why Paul’s language is so significant. As we have seen, he does not refer simply to the return of Christ. He refers to the appearing of glory. Our blessed hope is the hope of glory. The attractions of this world do not gleam so brightly when compared to the treasures of the world to come. The pleasures of sin do not attract so strongly when compared to the joy of the world to come. Our model is Moses. “He chose to be ill-treated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25). Why? Because “he regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward” (v 26).

The prospect of glory is the prospect of seeing and enjoying the glory of the God who is better, fuller and richer. Choosing God instead of the immediate and visible pleasures of sin can be tough. It is an act of faith. But faith recognises that ultimately God in Christ is always better, fuller and richer. And glory will be the fulfilment, realisation and culmination of that present faith.