It's About God
When somebody says, “I hope so,” doesn’t that word ‘hope’ often boil down to wishing upon a star? It’s the long shot, the moving target, the impossible dream, right? But even though hope sometimes seems like a foreign concept to us – too idealistic for this brutally realistic world – maybe, just maybe, there’s a solid reason for us to hope.
The things we pursue in this world – house, job, family, success – may be good, but they fail to fulfill us. Yet that’s where we often put our hope. Even when we get all the things we hoped for, we find ourselves empty, disappointed, and still wanting more. Is there anything at all we can put our hope in that really delivers, anything that’s worth living for? During the hard times, it would make a big difference if we just knew God’s perspective.
In the Bible we see God’s perspective. We read there that He offers us eternal hope, something that goes beyond what this world had to offer. This is God’s message of hope for us.
From time to time we all feel small and insignificant. If you find yourself wondering why the God who made the whole universe would be interested in you, consider what the Bible makes very clear: that He made you (Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:13-16). So it’s only logical that He would want to keep track of you and take care of you.
So, what is God’s message of hope to us? Well, as in any great drama, there is a crisis that requires the hero to swoop in to save the one in trouble. This, however, is not merely a drama but a true account. We sinned. Sin is what separates us from God. It’s anything that is contrary to how He would have us live. The first sin is recorded for us in Genesis 3:1-7. Adam and Eve at fruit from the only tree that God said they shouldn’t eat from. They disobeyed the Lord. From that time on, according to Romans 5:12-14, sin has been a part of every person’s life. In fact, in Romans 3:23, it says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages, or the price, of sin is death. The Bible tells us of an eternal punishment that awaits all of us because of sin (Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 16:19-31). Those who don’t make things right with God will face this punishment.
However, God is in infinite love for us and in His desire to restore the relationship He once had with His created ones, provided a way for sin’s effects to be done away with. Make no mistake, God is 100% loving but also 100% just. Where there is crime, there must be punishment. A life lived opposed to God and lived for our sinful pleasures will result in eternal punishment. However, God provided a means for the punishment to be paid in full by a third party. That third party is a man named Jesus Christ. He is God who came down and took on human form (Philippians 2:5-8, John 1:14). He lived among the world He created for about 33 years. In His last 3 years, He began to do amazing wonders which all of the paper in the world couldn’t contain (John 20:25). He was absolutely perfect and sinless (II Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15) and because of this He was able to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins (Romans 5:6-9). Three days after His death, Jesus rose from the dead and conquered the sting of death (Matthew 28:2-7, I Corinthians 15:1-8). He was seen alive by over 500 witnesses and is recorded not only in the Bible, but in history. The Bible declares that anyone who believes and trusts fully in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior will be saved from the effects of our sin (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-13). If ever there is a reason to hope, this is it. When you know the hope that comes from an eternal life guaranteed by Jesus Christ, you will find peace, joy, and contentment. That is God’s message of hope to us today!
If you are interested in speaking to someone more fully about what you’ve just read, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our pastors.
bdgcmatt@telus.net
(403) 933-4957