 Hope
This is the Christmas season, a time when the words”‘hope” and “joy” get used alot. I’m not sure that people are as purposeful and intentional as they should be when using these terms. Many times we use the word “joy” when what we really mean is a happy nostalgic emotion that gives us temporary escape from our pain and problems. Even worse, we use the term “hope” to imply a rosy or idyllic picture of the future that is highly unlikely to take place. Because of this, we can end up far more discouraged when the effects of our self inflicted, psychological manipulation eventually wears off. Instead, we need a dose of the enduring hope that the Bible gives us. No doubt, the Scriptures do teach us to look forward to an idyllic hope of dwelling with God and enjoying the beauty and grandeur of His glory, but in His word God also prepares us for the long road of walking with God by faith through this present evil world (Ephesians 6:12). Our hope is not only found in looking forward, but also in looking back. First and foremost, we ought to be looking to Christ and all that Jesus has done for us! Looking Back Remember, as we celebrate the glorious occasion of Jesus’ birth, we are not just thinking of a cute story about a baby being born. But instead, we are basking in the glorious reality of God Himself taking on human flesh. As we think about this amazing condescension, we can marvel in the glorious humility that Jesus displayed in becoming like us in our human flesh for the sake of saving our eternal souls. Jesus did not come to give us a holiday, but to give us His holy life. We, as believers in Christ, receive Him and in Him we receive the righteous credit for His perfect life. Jesus came to die in our place on the cross taking the guilt and shame for our sin and destroying the power of the curse of sin earned by Adam and transmitted to us. And Jesus rose again to claim His victory and reign forever over His kingdom (Philippians 2:1-11). Looking Around We also ought to be looking at our current life of faith. Have we, even as believers, been drawn away by the enticements of the world from participating in the grace we have received from Jesus Christ? The Lord calls us to put to death the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:13) and take up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23). Ironically, this path of self denial is the way of experiencing true joy, which is far superior to the enticements and entertainments promised by the fleeting pleasures of sin (Hebrews 11:25). When I speak about participating in the grace we have in Christ, I am referring to the things that God has not only commanded us to do in worship but allowed us the privilege of experiencing together in the church. We are given the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. We are given the public and private reading and studying of His scripture. We are given an audience before His mighty throne both corporately and individually. We are given access to the shared fellowship of His covenant meal at the Lord’s table. We are given the witnessing of baptisms of new members of the household of God. We are given the proclamation and instruction of the word of God. And in all these ways we are participating and experiencing the grace of God for us in Christ. Looking Forward Finally, we can look forward to the promises that will be fulfilled in our future. We haven’t yet reached the eternal state and so we have the sure promises of God to strengthen and encourage us. As believers, we have seen God show Himself steadfast and faithful and so we can rest in the full accomplishment of all His precious promises.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |