Hope
Updated: Apr 1, 2020
What are you working for? What makes you happy? I think sometimes we get things confused and look for accomplishments or events to make us happy. In fact, the Bible tells us that things are not as they seem. James 1:9-11 says, “9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.” In our world, the eternity of our existence is overshadowed by what we can see, feel, hear and touch.
When things are tough, there is hope. The “lowly” of this world has an opportunity to be exalted. No matter what your physical condition is, the God of all creation loves you and has died for you. If you receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you become the son or daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Salvation means that you not only go to heaven after you die, but you get to live the rest of your life from that moment with a joyful expectation of that afterlife. Life with hope is the only life worth living.
When things are good, there is hope. The “rich” can glory in “his humiliation.” Humiliation is not a word that sounds like we should strive for, but here in just means a humble heart. This means that even if you have everything you ever wanted, you can add meaning to your life if you humble yourself to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Only with a humble heart can you live a life for others. If you have all of the money in the world, and don’t love those around you, you have missed the point of this life.
Whether we have everything or nothing that this world offers, Jesus Christ is the only One Who can offer true meaning to your life. Salvation is the great equalizer. Rich and poor alike need salvation. Our first priority is to make sure that we have humbled ourselves and received this free gift of salvation. Once, we have asked Jesus into our hearts as our personal Lord and Savior, we are resurrected from the death and separation from God to everlasting life. No matter how distractingly good or bad this world gets around us, we will always have that salvation. Out of sheer gratitude, we must work diligently to tell everyone we know that they can have the same hope. Time is running out because as the grass fades and flowers fall, these bodies will pass away from this world. Let’s get busy and bring everyone we can with us to share in our eternity with Jesus.
Blessings
Your Brother-in-Christ,
Pastor Rob
