Living Hope

​Dashed hope.
There is nothing more disconcerting than to hope for something that ends up in shattered pieces on the jagged rocks of disappointment and disillusionment.
Dashed hope has disrupted my life at times. Most likely yours also. While my ultimate hope has always been rooted and grounded in God, I hoped a couple of times in men too much. I really thought some folks would come through, help me out, have my back, if you know what I mean. Unfortunately, my trust and hope was misplaced in some who proved not worthy of trust.
Let’s be honest:  who doesn’t hope to hope in people to help us along the road of life? It is so human and natural to put hope in people, systems and the world around us. But I ask you: what hope can a hopeless world offer? False hope is the only hope the world knows.
Currently many people in America and the world are feeling hopeless and helpless because their hope is misplaced. Men and movements are not saviors. Institutions are not redeemers. Christless religion is not a deliverer. Humanistic philosophy rescues no one. 
Hoping in persons or things that cannot bring hope breeds hopelessness.
Result: a mental/emotional battle with disappointment, discouragement, lack of peace, disillusionment, depression and even despair for a season.
I have good news, very, very good news if you are feeling hopeless.
Biblical hope is much more than a positive attitude or an optimistic outlook. It is a “living hope” based on what Jesus Christ has done for you and me.
One of my favorite biblical passages is found in I Peter 1:3-9.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has cause us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation or your souls.”
I could preach on this passage forever. However, I only have room for some summary thoughts.
1.“living hope”. Hope in Christ is alive because Jesus is risen from the dead. Our hope is alive because Jesus lives! No one can diminish or take that away from born again believers.
2. “imperishable inheritance”. Wow! Inheritance from God that is undefiled, imperishable and will never fade away. It is so good to be in the Father’s will!
3. “reserved in heaven”. God’s kids are protected by His power. Nothing on earth or hell can take salvation away from Christians who have reserved seats in heaven! Who in this world can hurt the “living hope” of those who believe in Jesus Christ?
4. “rejoice with joy inexpressible”. Rejoicing, praising, party time when we realize that we have a “living hope” because of Christ’s glorious resurrection. Note it is a joy that cannot be put into words it is so overwhelming awesome. No depression here. Thank you Lord Jesus!  
5. “salvation of your souls”. Bottom line of “living hope” in Christ is salvation. You and I are saved from our sins, forgiven, because of Jesus’ shed blood on the Cross and an empty tomb. The hope of eternal salvation is hope indeed!
Oh my, I could shout His praises with all my being right now! Do you get this, what a “living hope” is? It means nothing that comes into our life, even if for a time our faith is tested, God’s people come out of the fire proven, pure as gold. His holy fire sanctifies and purifies those who have a “living hope” in Jesus.    
“Living hope” is an eternal hope. Hope in anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ is dead hope. Temporal hope expires. Eternal hope is secured through faith in God’s only Son Jesus. Eternal hope endures for time and eternity.   
Christmas 2020.
Living, eternal hope is a baby in a manger who died on a cross, rose from the dead and is coming back in glory to take those who love Him home to heaven!
Christmas without Christ is hopeless.
How is your hope this Christmas? It is alive in Christ? Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Receive Him into your heart by faith right now. Invite Him in. Ask Him to forgive your sins. Commit yourself to obey His Word and serve Him the rest of your life.
“Living hope” is the greatest Christmas gift you and I could ever receive.
”…and hope does not disappoint, because the love of Christ has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5
“…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27
A Word For Your Week: Hope in what is hope indeed, the Lord Jesus Christ!