Hope Personified

“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

– Luke 1:32-33

One of the great things about the English language is that a single word can mean so many different things. For example, we might say that we love going to church, we love pizza, and we’d love for our football team to win the Super Bowl.

The same is true for the word hope. We hope that food and gas prices will decline. We hope we’ll make it to the office on time. And we also put our hope for eternal salvation in Jesus. After all, He’s the fulfillment of God’s promises … and the Savior for all people.

Christ-centered hope isn't anchored to empty promises. During his brief time on earth, Jesus cured the sick, raised the dead, forgave sins, and became a living sacrifice to pay the price for all the wrongs of the world — just as God had planned it at the foundation of the world. Christ’s resurrection from the grave — just as he had predicted it — proved his mastery over death. And 2,000 years later, the Savior’s words continue to change lives and render hope. 

Jesus’ status as hope personified is a certainty that every Believer should embrace. But sometimes that’s easier said than done because there are situations where we can't see the big picture. We don’t know the life-changing people and circumstances that God will place into our existence. And we also don’t have his vantage point of knowing what’s around the corner and miles up the road. Moreover, it’s hard for us to see a greater purpose in our lives when we're going through the pain of unemployment, lingering illness, family issues, or even death. But God is in control. And for those who trust and follow him, he offers this assurance:

"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you,” says our Creator. “Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

To borrow the title of an old-time Gospel song, this promise is nothing less than Blessed Assurance. We know without a doubt that God — through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross — has taken care of our past, present, and future. So, in a world marked by tragedy, sorrow, and uncertainty, we can still find hope for today … and tomorrow.

 

Follow the Leader

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” 

– John 15:5

Imagine that it’s nighttime, and it’s raining so hard that you can barely see over your car’s hood. The fog and mist have rolled in. And you can’t risk slowing down or pulling over to the roadside. It’s a multi-vehicle accident just waiting to happen.

So, how can you make it safely to your destination? 

When it’s raining cats and dogs, sometimes the best move is a serious game of Follow the Leader. That means following the dim red taillights of the vehicle ahead of you and matching the driver’s every turn. When he taps his brakes, you do, too. And if he bears right, you don’t ask questions. That’s because you know he can see what’s up ahead. Danger awaits if you try to make it on your own. So ultimately, it’s a matter of trust.

Isn’t that also true for every Christ-follower — as well as the pastors, elders, and teachers who lead them? Jesus asked his disciples to follow him into storms, hostile crowds, and towns full of unbelievers. Those were hazardous situations. But like that lead driver on the highway, Jesus could see what was ahead. And he led those who believed in Him to experience life in its fullest.

That was fine 2,000 years ago. But what does it mean to follow Christ in the 21st century?

Simply put, Believers should imitate Jesus. That means following His example of communion with God through regular prayer, Bible reading, worship, and gathering with other believers. We can also mimic our Savior by being a friend to the weak and helpless, sharing our material blessings, and being an advocate for justice. And that barely scratches the surface.

If you’re of a certain age, maybe you wore a What Would Jesus Do (WWJD) bracelet or had the bumper sticker on your car. And it’s still the BIG question — more so now than ever considering these stormy days of social, economic, and political turmoil. Indeed, what would Jesus do? 

There’s only one way to find out. Let's follow the Leader! 

Start Spreading the News

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

– Mark 5:18-19

If it bleeds, it leads. 

That’s the old saying in the news business. Just check your smartphone or YouTube feed — or turn on your TV — and you’re bound to come across story after story about political corruption, natural disasters, job layoffs, and degenerate behavior. It’s no surprise since the media thrives on bad news and hyping the worst possible scenarios. After all, uplifting headlines rarely attract clicks or drive ratings.

Meanwhile, gloomy economic news can become self-fulfilling when the public becomes afraid of purchasing big-ticket items like an automobile — or even something more affordable like a pair of shoes. Of course, many people these days really ARE struggling against a variety of challenges. But don’t forget that unemployment, crime, sickness, and death have been part of the human experience since Genesis. 

How about spreading some GOOD news for a change? We can do that through one of the Bible’s most-familiar passages: John 3:16:

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

As Christ-followers, our Good News (the Gospel) is that Jesus paid the price for our sins (past, present, and future) when he died in our place on a Roman cross. Three days later, just as predicted centuries earlier in the Old Testament, God resurrected him to forever defeat the power of sin and death in our lives. It’s this same power that will one day raise all Believers to eternal life and joy with our Creator.

“Death has lost the battle!” proclaimed the apostle Paul. “Where is its victory? Where is its sting?”

Does this Good News sound too good to be true? If so, you’re not alone. Even some of Jesus’ closest followers found it hard to believe when they heard — just days after witnessing his crucifixion — that their Master was alive. It’s in John 20 that we read about the skepticism (and later amazement) of a certain apostle, who to this day is known as Doubting Thomas:

Although Thomas the Twin was one of the 12 disciples, he wasn't with the others when Jesus appeared to them. So they told him, "We have seen the Lord!"

But Thomas said, "First, I must see the nail scars in his hands and touch them with my finger. I must put my hand where the spear went into his side. I won't believe unless I do this!"

A week later the disciples were together again. This time, Thomas was with them. Jesus came in while the doors were still locked and stood in the middle of the group. He greeted his disciples and said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and look at my hands! Put your hand into my side. Stop doubting and have faith!"

Are today’s bleak headlines getting you down? Now’s the time to start spreading the ultimate Good News — whether it’s to strangers far away — or to those who knew us before Jesus changed us.

A-Ha Moment

Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.”

– John 1:50 

An a-ha moment is that split second when one's eyes are opened to a spiritual truth that changes everything. As Christ-followers, we can have an a-ha when God shows us that we're on the wrong path in some area of life. It’s then up to us to ask Him in faith for the strength and guidance to turn in the right direction.

Then there's the ultimate a-ha: when non-believers finally awaken to their need for Jesus Christ as their Savior. And that's not just a temporary revelation — it's eternal security. The moment God's light shines through, they can finally see. But unfortunately, most of the world still chooses to remain blind and enjoy the darkness. Our enlightened society also won’t ignore those Believers who are open about their faith. Instead, it will likely accuse them of narrow-mindedness and bigotry. Just surf the web or watch TV, and we don't have to look hard to find videos, posts, or blogs from influencers, celebrities, or other "progressive" thinkers, who point their fingers at those they perceive as intolerant.

But depending on the context, is intolerance always a bad thing? After all, Jesus doesn't turn a blind eye to sin. What's more, he declares Himself to be the exclusive pathway to God:

"I am the way, the truth and the life," we read in John's gospel. "No one comes to the Father except through me."

That's not very tolerant of Him. And Christ’s bold proclamation defies today's inclusive, politically correct atmosphere. Moreover, His words hurt feelings and declare that one faith is better than all others. But society's demands for open-mindedness and equality are irrelevant. Jesus has no tolerance for false second-rate gods and allegiances.

As Christ-followers, we have open access to God's truth through the Bible, prayer, and wise counsel from fellow Believers. We should therefore have less trouble than others with telling right from wrong. But actually doing so is another matter. And that opens us up — and often rightfully so — to charges of self-righteousness and hypocrisy.

With that in mind, let’s look in the mirror. Are our words, thoughts, and deeds beyond reproach? Jesus was right on the mark when He said we must first remove the plank from our own eye before we can remove the speck from our neighbor's eye. Is that would-be "sinner" someone who needs God's truth ... or are they already a Christ-follower? On the other hand, maybe they never signed up for Jesus' walk of faith in the first place.

The answers to these questions should determine our approach. Meanwhile, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard and let God judge those outside the faith. He knows the whole story, and we're hardly in the position to condemn anyone.

Let's not turn a blind eye to this a-ha moment.

 

Give It a Rest

The Lord said to Moses at Mount Sinai, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you, the land itself must observe a sabbath to the Lord.’”

– Leviticus 25:1-2

You’ve likely seen them online, in bookstores, and in college dorms. And you might even have a few at home. They’re those yellow For Dummies books that help you do everything from gardening to database management to gourmet cooking. There’s even one on Christianity.

Thirty years after their debut, For Dummies books remain popular because so many readers don’t have the time or patience to learn and appreciate why things are the way they are. Instead, they want to know (quickly) how it's done without the annoying details.

That’s not always a bad thing — particularly when there's a last-minute project at the office and you don’t have a clue where to start. So, let’s give them their due. The For Dummies books and their imitators can often save readers hours of time … and perhaps a few sleepless nights.

But there’s a downside when we overemphasize shortcuts and quick fixes. In 21st century America, our hectic lives can consist of random snapshots and scattered sound bites rather than full-length, high-def documentaries. We literally don’t stop to smell the roses, which happen to be some of God’s most beautiful creations. And the result is that we miss out on life.

Wouldn’t it be nice to interrupt our never-ending schedules to recharge our batteries and forget about the everyday grind? The Bible tells us that our Creator agrees. And that’s why he created the Sabbath. It’s one special day each week (not necessarily Sunday) when we can worship, relax with family and friends, do good for others, and enjoy a set-apart life shaped by our devotion to his purposes.

That’s one valid way to look at the Sabbath. But it has a much deeper meaning. This special day also reflects a special person (Jesus), who exemplified everything the Sabbath should be. Although he had only three years to save the world, Jesus still took time out to pray, help others — and even attend a party or two. Never in a hurry, he even called himself the Lord of the Sabbath. And he still had time to complete his must-do to-do list.

Ever wonder how you’ll ever get it all done? Learn from Jesus’ example and give it a rest.

 

A Higher Authority

“Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy.”

– Leviticus 20: 7-8

If you shop for groceries or cook, chances are you’ve seen them a thousand times — those special symbols on food packaging that certify its contents as kosher (literally “fit to eat”).

According to kosher food blogger Giora Shimoni, kosher food is prepared according to Jewish dietary laws, which are rules and regulations derived from Old Testament laws and rabbinical extensions to ensure quality, cleanliness, and safety. Hebrew National — a well-known brand of hotdogs — has a slogan that sums up its call to be kosher: We Answer to a Higher Authority.

Christ-followers do, too — and not just for food. Although we’re not bound by the strict Old Testament dietary laws that the Israelites followed, we still must remember that we worship a God of the highest standards. He wants us to lead healthy, Spirit-filled lives and maintain spiritually-healthy homes. And moreover, he expects us to keep our distance from the world’s anything-goes philosophy. We’re called to live differently rather than blend in.

It’s in 1 Timothy that the apostle Paul presents his three-pronged strategy for accomplishing this mission. First, he says men must recognize the dangers of overestimating their ability to endure temptation and sin, the twin maladies that can wreak havoc on our homes and families. Even King David — whom God called a man after His own heart — suffered the devastating consequences from his adulterous affair with another man’s wife. Paul’s point is that there are situations where it’s best to simply turn and run. We must therefore pick our battles with care.

On the other hand, there are some things we should pursue rather than flee — a perspective that tends to flummox society. For example, the world tells us to do whatever it takes to gain wealth and success. But since riches and fame can disappear in an instant, it’s actually our relationship with God and our family that must be our top priorities.

Lastly, Paul tells us what’s worth fighting for. If we’re not careful, our homes can suffer from the gradual — and often imperceptible — moral and spiritual erosion caused by the onslaught of modern culture. Indeed, we can find ourselves fighting outside the home while failing to lead the way for our family.

Flee, pursue and fight. As Christ-followers, we’re called by our Creator to do just that on the way to building and maintaining Spirit-filled homes — and keeping them kosher. We’re the people he chose before the foundation of the world to live out his standards. And it’s why every Believer answers to a Higher Authority.

The Enemy Within

“This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites.” And it was done, as the Lord commanded Moses.

– Leviticus 16:34

If you’re a current or former smoker, no one has to tell you how hard it is to quit the habit. As the famous author and humorist Mark Twain once said: 

“To cease smoking is the easiest thing I ever did; I ought to know because I have done it a thousand times.”

The same goes for Christ-followers when it comes to sin and temptation. Even though we’ve accepted Jesus as our Savior, asked him for forgiveness, and then received it, we still tend to fall back into those bad habits that we thought we’d left far behind.

But doesn’t the Bible reveal that we’re a new creation once we’ve put our faith in Jesus?

It does. But the transformation from our old selves is a work in progress that’s on God’s timetable. It’s also a change that takes place little by little, day after day along our faith journey. Moreover, the journey’s pathway is narrow, twisting, and full of unexpected hairpin curves. And we can end up in a ditch if we don’t keep our eyes on the destination.

That doesn’t mean we’re failures as Christ-followers. Let’s consider a life lesson taught by Paul — the apostle, who wrote much of the New Testament. In Romans 7:15, Paul complains that he continues to do the very things he despises. And at the same time, he fails to do the things he knows he should accomplish. 

Paul’s familiar struggles were nothing less than spiritual warfare … the same ugly conflict that we all fight every day. What’s more, it’s an important reminder that sin must be dealt with before we can dwell with God. But Paul also conveys this reassurance to every Believer:

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” he tells us, “because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”

It’s good news that means we’re now liberated from sin’s power. And since we don’t have to accept its dominance in our lives, what’s most important is our trust in Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross. So, when we inevitably give in to temptation and bad habits, we can freely ask for help from the One who has already paid the ultimate price for our many sins — past, present … and future.