As promised, I want to take the next couple of lessons to talk about hope. It is important to remember that the Christian’s idea of hope should differ from the world’s. In most cases, even in our own conversations with others, the word hope carries the idea to want something to happen or to be true, and usually have a good reason to think that it might. (Cambridge Dictionary]) The key word in that definition is might. Such a hope leaves room for disappointment. The Christian’s hope is driven by faith that rests on God’s faithfulness, not man’s (1st Corinthians 1:9).
As I considered these things, I found myself asking a question. Where is our [my] hope for this life truly anchored? Peter wrote to some Christians that were suffering “for righteousness’ sake,” experiencing “threats” by the world around them. (1st Peter 3:14) Even so, as was mentioned a couple weeks ago, they exhibited a joy even though faced with adversity that would cause others to ask for “a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1st Peter 3:15) Where was their hope located?
Blessed be the God and Father or our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead . . . 1 Peter 1:3
It is interesting to hear Peter describe their hope as living. There are a number of reasons why this hope is living, but at its very core is the reality of Christ’s resurrection. His resurrection points to our resurrection! Paul writes, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” (1st Corinthians 15:19) Because of Christ’s resurrection, our hope realizes the promise of “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away” and it is “reserved in heaven” for all of God’s children. (1st Peter 1:4) Our hopes true reality will be “revealed in the last time,” when life as we know it ceases. (1st Peter 1:5)
In an uncertain world that offers a hope that is, at best, temporary, God wants His children to see life differently and thus, live differently. Our living hope is anchored in the reality of a risen Savior and the home that awaits us. Unlike the things of this world; our jobs, our government, our homes and the list goes on, this living hope will never change, it is guaranteed, awaiting all those who remain faithful. You see, when my hope is anchored in Christ and the home He has gone to prepare for me, then I am ready to give a defense to everyone who may wonder why.
Dennis
Click here for the March 22, 2015 Bulletin
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