TRIBULATION OR JUBILATION

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There are two ways of considering this subject: (1) as a temporal experience and situation, or (2) from an eternal point of view and purpose. Part of the definition of Tribulation indicates it will be a time of “grievous trouble; severe trial or suffering.” By extension, the Synonyms are: affliction, hardship, distress and adversity. Jubilation is far different in its meaning because it is defined as “a feeling (and reality) of great joy and celebration.”

In a temporal way, many people experience a type of tribulation by means of extenuating circumstances. When our son-in-law was hospitalized for Cancer, it was heart-rendering to see in that same treatment facility a very young child being treated for cancer, as well as older adults. The end result is not always positive and the remaining family experiences hardships and sorrows. Our son-in-law died in the hospital at age 30. Sorrow gripped us all, especially his widow and her two children aged 2 and 4. On the other hand, and more recently, one of our Great Grandsons was diagnosed with cancer when he was not yet 3 years of age. After more than two years of treatment, he was pronounced “Cancer-Free” and part of the Jubilation and Celebration will include a trip in a few days to Disney World. We all share in his personal victory and know that feeling and sense of “great joy and celebration.”

From an eternal perspective, tribulation indicates a time of God’s wrath being displayed and a day of judgment ensuing. In His Olivet Discourse, Jesus stated the following regarding tribulation: “How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not occur in the winter or on the Sabbath. For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again…Immediately after the tribulation of those days: The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Matthew 24:19-29).

Does the Biblical Christian have any need for fear and doubt about the future and one’s relationship in Jesus Christ? Paul wrote in Romans 8:35-39, “Who (or what) shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Paul adds in Romans 12:11-13, “Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer. Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” As the Book of Revelation begins, there is the scene where Jesus is walking in the midst of the seven churches. To the Church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:10), He states: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation…Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Revelation 7:13-14 addresses a day of worship, celebration and jubilation. The question asked and the answer given should give every Biblical Christian hope and great joy (jubilation), “Then one of the elders addressed me: These in white robes, he asked, who are they, and where have they come from? Sir, I answered, you know…These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Neither “trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword” is able to separate you from the love of Christ. As difficult and challenging as it may be, never allow your confidence, hope or joy to be diminished. Personalize and keep on reminding yourself: “In all these things I am more than a conqueror through Him who loved me.” Consider these things with me.