So much of life seems to be spent in a tension between the ‘now’ and the ‘not yet’, between what we currently experience and what we know lies ahead. The prophets often spoke about the future, proclaiming what God would do ‘in that day’ (see, for example, Isaiah 27:1, 2, 12), and it’s true that the future hope God offers us is both great consolation and great inspiration for His people (and has been throughout history!) When we break bread together, we not only look back to the death and resurrection of Christ, but forward to His coming again (see 1 Cor 11:26); it’s inevitable that the hope of resurrection and future glory acts as fuel for us in our present sufferings (see also 2 Cor 4:16-18, Rom 8:25-39).
Nonetheless, even as we look forward to ‘that day’ when God will wipe every tear from our eyes and right all wrongs, we are still left with the truth that this is the day the Lord has made and the command to rejoice and be glad in it. (Ps 118:24) Today is the day of salvation; now is the day of God’s favour. (2 Cor 6:2) We can be glad today, for God is with us even in the trials and difficulties; His grace is sufficient for us. (2 Cor 12:9)