Thursday: HOPE 2019
Quick summary of our week together so far regarding the Advent theme of HOPE: HOPE is the expectation of something beneficial in our future as contrasted to our current difficulties/challenges. Our Biblical authors – Isaiah, Matthew and Paul, cleverly interwove the theme of HOPE in their texts without mentioning the word HOPE! Isaiah encourages God’s desolate people of their eventual freedom and vindication; Matthew uses Joseph’s predicament to contrast shame and disgrace with the coming of a Savior; and Paul details the conversion of Lydia as she forsakes paganism and darkness in exchange for living water and a fruit-of-the-spirit future.
Where in my real-time walk am I experiencing or seeing challenges and thus need to fixate on the fact that, because of the work of Jesus, HOPE is a reality and something beneficial is to be expected? Please re-read the previous sentence, ponder a moment, then read on.
For me: I am experiencing the challenges of dearly-beloved, aging parents. A close friend’s brother in his 20’s has been diagnosed with cancer. I am witnessing the marriages of several Christian friends falling apart and heading quickly towards divorce. A best friend’s mother’s Alzheimer’s has progressed rapidly. A co-worker’s mother died prematurely and suddenly of an inoperable cancer in her lung and brain. My daughter’s job in Philadelphia daily exposes her to the power of poverty and the fear that no solution exists. While I am getting out Christmas decorations, the news tells me of shootings, suicides, drug overdoses, and global unrest.
I desperately need to apply Isaiah’s certainty of freedom and vindication, Matthew’s view of a Savior that completely over-shadows any concern for my reputation, and Paul’s unashamed, assertive sharing of the gospel with a woman in darkness. Please understand, the blessings of this life do not escape me. God’s mercies are new every day and peace does passeth understanding and joy does come in the morning and laughter is wonderful medicine! But it is hopelessness and all it’s related emotions that threatens my soul, laughs at my confidence, and rocks my world. Authentic HOPE dictates that someone besides me is at the front of my battles and has already claimed victory. Something beneficial WILL happen because something beneficial ALREADY DID happen!
Here is the climax of the entire week: To access everlasting HOPE that prevails in any circumstance, the truths of the gospel must be embraced. Will you trust the God whose favor rests on the people He calls His own? Will you profess faith in the Jesus who is the Savior of mankind? Will you believe the good news that turns you from darkness to light?
If you have questions or want to take steps towards the HOPE I speak of, please contact Pastor Jerry at jerryfourroux@gmail.com or me at bterrman@aol.com.
Stay Tuned: Friday is our last focus on HOPE this advent season. I will have a list of questions for
you to consider as you apply this week’s truths in the days ahead.
In Christ, Brenda TM