Our Hope is Christ Jesus
We live in a world of uncertainty. This is a challenging time. Consider the conflict we read in our news and ponder the wars we hear within the world. Within technology, we see the invention of AI and question, “Lord, will this be good for us, or bad?” Some see the destruction of earth and its precious elements, claiming that climate crisis looms ahead. We look at the government, even looking broader to the leaders across the planet, and wonder: “Why can’t people just get along and be at peace?” Within our own families, turmoil may exist, brother against brother and father against son; sister against sister and mother against daughter. Within our schools, ideology is proclaimed as truth and truth is told to be a lie, but even the adult workplaces may not be any less turmoil-free. Our homes, communities, schools, and workplaces NEED JESUS.
Many will proclaim: God is not surprised by the state of the world. Within God’s Word, we are encouraged, sustained, and relieved to read—
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
(The Letter to the Hebrews 13: 8 NASB)
- As a believer in Jesus, your life is safe; You belong to God.
- As a Christ-follower, your soul is secure; Your eternity is fixed.
- As a redeemed child of Holy God, death is swallowed up in victory; Praise the LORD of lords and KING of kings.
For thousands of years, individuals have placed their trust in God. May we see the cross, seeing CHRIST THE SAVIOR!. As we do, may we see the Good Shepherd’s crook in His staff, seeing how JESUS CAME AFTER THE ONE WHO WAS LOST! Finally, may we see the King’s crown, seeing how HE IS SOVEREIGN!
So, yes, we do live in uncertain times, BUT GOD is our foundation. We are surrounded by conflict within our world or even in our homes, BUT GOD is our manifestation: JESUS LIVES TODAY! Our world where we live may be broken, without peace, and truth (in the world) may be distorted as Satan deceives and lies, BUT JESUS IS COMING!
Praise the LORD—
- He gives His life to us, His sheep.
- He gives His love to us, His creation.
- He gives His light to us, His salvation.
Therefore, because “Jesus Christ is the same . . .” always and forever, the question becomes one of obedience for us. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote: “only those who believe are obedient, and only those who are obedient believe.“ How we do with our obedience is one of faith, following the One whom we love, trust, and give our lives to, daily laying down our ‘want to,’ surrendering to His Will.
- So, how do we deal with times of uncertainty? &
- Where do we turn to receive truth? &
- Where do we look to find peace, truth, and salvation?
Within The Word of God, we are encouraged, sustained, and reminded of the task placed before us: the believers and followers of Christ Jesus. He knows who are His and everyone who names the name of Jesus as Lord must refrain from wickedness, from laziness, and from quarreling because those who are lost need Jesus. Be gentle. Be kind. Be loving. Be forgiving. Seek goodness, kindness, purity, self-control, patience, peace and joy. Let us be faithful.
“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you;
(The Letter to the Hebrews 13: 7 NASB)
and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.”