ADVENT 2019: HOPE
1Pet. 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Misplaced hope can cause all sorts of problems in our lives. When we tend to bank too much on the uncertain, we set ourselves up for huge disappointments. We say, “I hope to secure that promotion,” “I hope there is a certain present under that tree,” “I hope everything works out the way I desire it to.” The list goes on. When that hope is not realized, it is easy to become upset, discouraged, or frustrated. But the hope we have in Jesus and his promises is different.
Because Jesus entered into his creation, lived perfectly, bore our punishment on the cross, died, and rose from the grave, we as his followers have a security that is unlike any other. Peter writes that followers of Jesus have been born again to a hope that is living, a hope that does not die, a hope that will be realized completely! Hebrews 6:19 calls our hope in him a “steadfast anchor of the soul.” It is a certainty that we eagerly await. So, what is it we hope in?
When Jesus returns, we will experience the complete expression of God’s grace. Our hope in Jesus is for the inheritance we will share with Him for all eternity. We are co-heirs with Christ! And that inheritance will never diminish in value, it will never lose its purity, it will never go away. Our Father in heaven Himself is guarding it and by His power He is bringing it to fruition. The faith he establishes in our lives secures this inheritance.
As we reflect on the beauty of this season, let us hold fast to the eternal hope we have in Him. We celebrate the reality that God became man and dwelt with us. In doing this, he secured many precious gifts and this hope is one of them. So, take hold of it. Allow it to penetrate every corner of you heart and mind. Conduct your life with the anticipation of the promises of God, in Christ. Your hope in him will not be put to shame.
For Discussion/Reflection:
What have you hoped for in the past that resulted in disappointment?
Read 1 Peter 1:3-21
Where should our hope be placed specifically?
How is Jesus giving you real hope in your life?
Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for the hope we have because of your Son. Thank you that you have demonstrated your faithfulness to us in sending Jesus to secure our eternal fellowship with you. Grant us a greater understanding of the certainty that is now ours in Christ. Amen.
Author: Charlie Meng, Teaching Pastor