“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us”. -Romans 8:18 NKJV

When I was growing up in the ‘70s, family time typically revolved around certain television programs. For our family, it was often weekly game shows. While I was studying and meditating on Romans 8:18 one recent morning, I thought about the particular game show “Let’s Make a Deal”, hosted by Monty Hall. Part of the show included Monty picking a contestant from the audience (the audience would dress in some crazy outfits in hopes of gaining his attention) and offering some moderately valued prize. He would then barter with them and offer a trade for something else in a particular box. The person had to weigh the value of their current prize against the potential of what was in the box. Sometimes it paid off to trade and the hidden prize was revealed to be of greater value, like maybe an appliance. Sometimes the trade was of little value, like a can of dog food. These prizes were called “zonks.” The person’s decision was based on chance and much uncertainty. 

When we think about the meaning of “revealed” and our certainty in Christ, it serves as a reminder that, unlike game show contestants who take chances in hopes of something better, we as believers have the assurance and certainty of what will be revealed in Christ. “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.  But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NLT

God’s promises are beyond our comprehension, yet they are revealed to us through His Word and His Spirit, providing us with hope and assurance. Our hope is not based on uncertainty or chance but on the unshakable promises of God. We can hold on to this certainty, knowing that our future glory in Christ far outweighs any of life’s uncertainties we may face. 

To paraphrase what Paul says, anything else is a “zonk”.

“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him.” Philippians 3:8-9 NLT