Hope

The only hope,the only help,the only rescue,the only healing,the only solace,the only balm,the only redemption, the only restoration for a broken, dysfunctional, sin-scared, evil-infected, morally fallen,dark, and dangerous worldisn’t found in information, socialization, education,political solution, psychological insight, or personal reformation, but in the willingbirth,righteousness, humiliation,suffering,sacrifice,and resurrectionof a God-man Redeemer. No idea can liberate,no power can save,no institution can redeem,restore,resuscitate,or recreatewhat sin has destroyed.So a son had to come.Son of God.Son of Man.The Creatorcame to recreate.The Savior came to bethe sacrifice.The blessed onecame to sufferand in sufferingto bless the world with hope,help,rescue,healing,solace,balm,redemption,and restoration.The cost of it all washis life.It was his birth mission,his resurrection victory.History marched toward his coming; there was no other way.May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Rom. 15:13)What are common things you turn to as a source of hope, that ultimately fall short when compared to the hope Christ offers you?Think through or journal about the ways Christ has brought you hope. For further study and encouragement, read 1 Corinthians 15.