The believer’s hope is a precious treasure that must be guarded. I find things constantly chipping away at the wonderful presence of that hope. Paul speaks of it in Romans chapter five, and says, “…we…rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Here is defined a wonderful supporting reality of the believer’s life. It is that confidence of our eternal life with God in heaven. It was also a support for Jesus in His trials of life:
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Often our situations in life are less than attractive, comfortable and encouraging. It is absolutely the correct response in life for believers to be sustained by a forward look:
2 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
I was challenged by this verse of Scripture in the morning sermon yesterday:
Mark 5:36
As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
Jairus was just been told that his daughter had died and Jesus responded with this counsel, “…only believe.” So often we batter ourselves and trouble ourselves with fear and unbelief. We need to invest all of that counterproductive energy into “belief”. Belief is a trust in the God who loves and cares for us and promises us all that is eternally good.
Romans 8:32
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Guard your Christian hope, it is a precious treasure.
