One Extreme to the Other
A common literary technique is the use of extremes right next to each other:
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
"The more things change the more they stay the same"
Here's the shortest and most profound in history: "Jesus wept." The joy of the whole Earth cried in sadness. The resurrection and the life looked on death and let the tears flow. That's powerful contrast.
Here's another:
Psalm 126:5–6 (NLT) Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. 6 They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
I love this line. It's a contrasting reminder of heaven. Because while we are here on Earth - our lives are filled with tears and weeping. Frustrations in relationships, in work, in hopes and dreams and family and friends abound. We are met with our own frailties more and more the older we get. Every time we pass one test, another harder test is coming for us. This is the life this side of heaven.
Paul concurs:
Romans 8:18 (NLT) Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.
2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV) For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
The pain of today is conversely proportionate to the pleasure of eternity.
What hurst you now will be nothing but healing then.
This is why we rejoice in our sufferings. For as Christ suffered and was glorified we too will suffer and soon share in His glory.
The Psalmist is a realist and an optimist at the same time. We weep but we will shout! We tear up, but we will abound! Our future is secure in the grace of God. Make the choice to embrace the pain today knowing that it is a contrasting foretaste of the glories of tomorrow.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
"The more things change the more they stay the same"
Here's the shortest and most profound in history: "Jesus wept." The joy of the whole Earth cried in sadness. The resurrection and the life looked on death and let the tears flow. That's powerful contrast.
Here's another:
Psalm 126:5–6 (NLT) Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. 6 They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
I love this line. It's a contrasting reminder of heaven. Because while we are here on Earth - our lives are filled with tears and weeping. Frustrations in relationships, in work, in hopes and dreams and family and friends abound. We are met with our own frailties more and more the older we get. Every time we pass one test, another harder test is coming for us. This is the life this side of heaven.
Paul concurs:
Romans 8:18 (NLT) Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.
2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV) For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
The pain of today is conversely proportionate to the pleasure of eternity.
What hurst you now will be nothing but healing then.
This is why we rejoice in our sufferings. For as Christ suffered and was glorified we too will suffer and soon share in His glory.
The Psalmist is a realist and an optimist at the same time. We weep but we will shout! We tear up, but we will abound! Our future is secure in the grace of God. Make the choice to embrace the pain today knowing that it is a contrasting foretaste of the glories of tomorrow.
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