Archive for the ‘ Hope ’ Category
but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:7-8, ESV
The hope of Christ is that the long-awaited Messiah has come, that God Himself came to us to love like one of us to redeem us from death.
I enjoy the Christmas season. I enjoy celebrating Advent.
The first week of Advent is traditionally seen as being a time for looking at hope and faith, having an expectation of the coming Savior. This year, I am using some of the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary.
Let’s get into
“Look, the days are coming”—
Jeremiah 33:14-16, CSB
this is the Lord’s declaration—
“when I will fulfill the good promise
that I have spoken
concerning the house of Israel
and the house of Judah.
In those days and at that time
I will cause a Righteous Branch
to sprout up for David,
and he will administer justice
and righteousness in the land.
In those days Judah will be saved,
and Jerusalem will dwell securely,
and this is what she will be named:
The Lord Is Our Righteousness.
The world was full of sin, separation, and violence. Israel and Judah were God’s chosen people to spread His glory, but they had essentially failed at being faithful. Israel was already taken into exile, and Jeremiah was living during the time of Judah going into exile.
Jeremiah reminded us that God had established His covenant with King David, that an eternal Kingdom was coming with a descendant of David ruling forever. When this King comes, salvation and peace shall come. The next two verses even include that there will also be an eternal Priest.
This Priestly King will be called “The Lord is our righteousness.” As 1 Corinthians 1:30 reminds us, Christ is our righteousness and redemption, the Lord who sanctifies us.
We now know who this Priestly King is, and we must submit ourselves to His rule. And our hope is for eternity, knowing that Christ will come again. As said in Luke 21:25-36, this world will pass away, but He and His word will last forever, so we must prepare ourselves for His next coming.
The Hope of mankind has come and is coming, so let us repent of our sins, changing the way we think and act, worshiping the Son of God, the second Person of the Holy Trinity of the Godhead, that we may be ready when He returns. We have hope only if we are found in Christ.
Believe in the coming Son.
Lord, we have sinned against You and You alone. You are our only hope. Grant us the grace to repent, the strength to follow You, and the will to love others through the gospel and serving each other until You return. Show us the hope we have in Your life, death, and resurrection, and by the power of the Holy Spirit guide us in all truth until You return.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6:34, ESV
God has said He will be with us, so with the hope of His presence and eternity, we can love without fear of what the day may bring.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12, ESV
We are saved in Christ alone, and His life, death, and resurrection gives us hope for eternity and encouragement to be joyful and seek God continuously in prayer.
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:13, ESV
The cost of following Jesus is denying ourselves and choosing God over all things. Our biggest concern should be seeking God.
“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Luke 12:40, ESV
God takes care of us, most importantly by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Church now prepares the world for His imminent return to judge the world.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
Revelation 3:20, ESV
God showed His faithfulness and goodness by becoming one us to save us. He has promised to not leave us and to return bodily, and we can join Him in eternity if we accept His offer of grace by faith.
He had sent a man ahead of them—
Psalm 105:17-18, CSB
Joseph, who was sold as a slave.
They hurt his feet with shackles;
his neck was put in an iron collar.
God is faithful, and He showed this by protecting Abraham’s grandchild and great-grandchildren by sending Joseph to suffer and rise to save his family. Likewise, God’s faithfulness is ultimately found in His sending Christ to suffer for our sins and rise to glory for our salvation and hope.
a simple man of God 