Declaration 2023: The DevotionalsSýnishorn

Hope in Troubled Times

- by Rev Dr Israel Oluwole Olofinjana

‘For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.’ (Colossians 1:19-20 NIV)

One of the critical questions the pandemic and post-pandemic context has raised is that in the midst of suffering and death, is this the end as we know it? As Christians, what does hope look like amid a crumbling economy, climate crisis and global conflicts? Is it possible to dare to hope?

While there are no easy answers, the theology of hope shaped by the death and resurrection of Jesus becomes very profound in this season.

Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross provide us with a theological framework for the lament and suffering we are all facing during this post-pandemic apocalyptic season, but the resurrection also gives us hope. The hope of new kingdom life through Jesus coming out of our lament and suffering in troubled times.

The church must hold in tension the idea of God’s future and present kingdoms. His present kingdom means we must continue to lament and fight for racial justice, climate justice and economic justice, knowing that we live in the now and not yet of the fullness of the kingdom coming.

We must hold these reflections in tension as Christians living in this apocalyptic context.

We must inspire people around us and our community with this hope that hangs in a crucified God. The world around us needs this narrative of hope, of resurrection life amid our troubles, because the many stories dominating our screens and media do not encourage hope.

We, as Christians, are the salt of the earth, and as such, we can help preserve hope in a world full of crisis and despair.

Prayer

I pray, Lord, that as we lament and fight for racial justice, climate justice and economic justice in our troubled times, we will dare to hope in the resurrection. Teach us how to be kingdom people amid the suffering of this season. Help us inspire people around us with the hope there is in the gospel. Amen.