So we gained an hour, huh? Anybody falling (pun fully intended) for that one again this year? Dodinsky wrote: “I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift.”
It’s a nice thought, but our hope in Christ is worlds better. It’s a hope that sustains us in each and every season.
Our hope in Christ sustains us when things are going well, and our hope in Christ sustains us when things are falling apart. “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Though you and I have to face the sorrows of life, we do not grieve without purpose. There’s purpose in our pain.
We grieve, but we grieve differently – because of the promises of God. The world grieves without an eternal hope – but not us. Tears will fall this side of heaven, but shining behind our every tear is the absolute assurance of a glorious reunion. In Christ, behind every “goodbye” is the steadfast assurance: “But I’ll see you again soon.”
You and I can trust God with every day and with every season, because our hope is anchored in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If Jesus had stayed in the grave, then death would still hold us in its grip. But, because Jesus died and rose again, death has been defeated – permanently. And, because Christ conquered death fully and now lives forever, those who die in Him will also live again. This isn’t some generic comfort pill – but our guaranteed future!
While you and I await the trumpet call, we can trust the Lord. Keith and Kristyn Getty sing …
“Who holds our days within His hand?
What comes, apart from His command
And what will keep us to the end?
The love of Christ in which we stand.
Oh, sing hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal.
Oh, sing hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ, our hope in life and death!”
Between now and the trumpet blast, you and I can live with a certain and steady confidence in the gospel: the good news of what Christ has done for us. Consider 1 Corinthians 1:18, and how we – as followers of the Lord Jesus – are called to live with a convictional, joyful hope. It’s a hope which unbelievers can’t even decipher. It makes no sense to them: “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Propelled by “the word of the cross” is precisely how you and I are called to live here and now. We can expect to be misunderstood at times by those who don’t know our Savior by faith, because our message topples some very popular assumptions …
THE WORD OF THE CROSS makes no sense if the Bible is just some antiquated, obscure relic. In our postmodern and post-Christian age, most people view the Scriptures as entirely irrelevant, so why would anyone give their life to living it out?
THE WORD OF THE CROSS makes no sense if people are basically good. If there is no sin, why concern ourselves with much thought of a Savior? We may tolerate some religious or “spiritual” lingo here or there, but it’s not to be taken seriously.
THE WORD OF THE CROSS makes no sense if the latest fads are welcomed unquestionably as knowledge and enlightenment. When the godless state or university sets the moral tone, a humble follower of Jesus appears to play the fool.
THE WORD OF THE CROSS makes no sense if I answer only to me. Why, for a moment, should I deny myself? Why should I consider amending my ways? Why should I seek some radical new orientation? I don’t answer to God – I am God.
THE WORD OF THE CROSS makes no sense if life is just an accumulation of status or stuff. When materialism rules the day, then “survival of the fittest” makes perfect sense – and “eternity” feels like a pipe dream. After all, “all is vanity.”
THE WORD OF THE CROSS makes no sense if God judges by human merit rather than by grace. Only a God of unfathomable love leaves behind the riches of glory for the ravages of Earth – sacrificing Himself so we could be forgiven and free!
The cross was the most unimaginably heinous instrument of torture ever invented, but for us it symbolizes eternal peace and beauty and joy. To most people, such hope seems foolish. Folly. For our good and for God’s glory, grace and truth have overwhelmed us – yet our eternal hope is hidden from unbelieving eyes.
Just like the colors of autumn, we were never meant to be here forever. Winter is certain, and will sweep in with all its gray fury. Fierce winds will howl and assault, making youthful optimism seem frozen by death.
But you and I are anchored to a life-source which winter can’t touch.
Hope prevails.
“He is not here, for He has risen!”
Pastor Charles
Pastor Charles so beautifully described our life in our Savior Jesus. HE gives us HOPE!! Life can be so painful and confusing but our Savior gives us HOPE!!! May the blessings from our Father God be obvious to us. May we bow in gratitude for them! Our Hope can be nourished by the fruit of HIS blessings poured out upon us! The world around us has not a clue of how the unseen Reality of our Father God keeps us bonded to HIM in HOPE!! Praise our Lord! Our powerful precious God of HOPE Who will never leave us HOPELESS!!