Filled with Hope

I hope you see that hope is vital – hope in God and his promises.  We aren’t referring to an optimism clothed in Christianity. Optimism is certainly a better lived option than pessimism, but the hope reframed in scripture is, by far, the better option. 

Whereas people hope for better days, more opportunities and a sunnier life, the early believers hoped for the rule, reign and ultimate justice of God on the earth, paid for by the death of Jesus. This hope anchored them. “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13 ESV) “and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead.” (1 Thessalonians 1:10 ESV)

The Holy Spirit filled them with such rich expectation about the, to be fulfilled, promises of scripture, and the world changing implications of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Whatever we so easily settle for will always pale compared to God’s bright future for us.  

What a vision the apostle paints for us when he stated,  “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:18-25 ESV)

To conclude, what is it we hope in and for? 

• His coming Kingdom, and his will being done on earth as it is in heaven.
• Him lifting the curse from this earth and revealing the sons of God. 
• Him revealing himself to all peoples, in blessing and justice.  
• Our resurrection and renewing in Him. 
• Tears, grief and pain being put far from us. 
• And most wonderfully and importantly, knowing fully as we are known fully.

In light of all this, how could this present darkness possibly satisfy us deeply? We all have a gap within (even now) that only God’s future/promises will fill out - complete. Don’t be surprised at being unsettled, feeling incomplete and being aware of an ache, a longing not satisfied. This is the echo of Eden, twinned with a sense of the age to come. This is an awareness of what was lost, and what is to be gained. 

Faith brings these things close by way of foretaste, but hope keeps them alive in our hearts and minds. We are made for hope. Without it, we are quite literally - hopeless.

This is - Hope Reframed.

   

If you want to explore more on this topic or read more of Simon’s writing and bible plans, head to www.simonmcintyre.net.