Resurrected Hope

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESVHope is a precious priceless commodity. Misdirected HopeAs they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed. Matthew 17:22 ESV - - - He tried to help them see the path to true redemption. If our hope is in a specific earthly outcome rather than our faithful God, we’re set up for disappointment. And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. Psalms 39:7 ESVHope is not found in a way out but a way through. - Robert Frost“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33 NIV By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching. Luke 23:44-49 NLTLost Hope Passion and purpose are common casualties of a hopelessness.When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalms 34:17 ESVEven in crisis, hope isn’t actually gone, we just need to learn or remember where it’s found.“Hope” is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all. Emily DickensonResurrected HopeEarly on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.” Matthew 28:1-10 NLTI tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. John 12:24 NLTWhat a great opportunity to let the God of the empty tomb do big work in our lives!!!Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 ESHope is the music that lifts our hearts to heaven even when we don’t know the words to the song.