Looking for the Blessed Hope

It seems that hope in our day has been reduced to a wish or desire. “I hope that…”  Fill in the blank with whatever you wish for; this elusive hope continually slips through our grasping hands. But Scripture talks about another kind of hope, that which anchors the soul during the storms of life and will never disappoint.  Rather than being crushed in trying times, it is solidified through them.  It’s a living hope in our faithful God who comforts those who mourn and gives strength to the weary heart.

I’ve been through those times of searching for hope and asking for someone to show me the light at the end of the tunnel.  What is the source of true hope?  Paul gives a clear definition of hope in Titus 2:11-14.  After telling us to live righteously in this present age, he charges us to set our eyes on

 ”looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

This hope has a very narrow focus.  It is entirely set the Day of Jesus’ return.  Biblically, we should put all of our eggs in one basket and fully invest our hope in Jesus coming in the sky with glory brighter than the sun.

What happens when Jesus returns?  Volumes should be written about the glory of that Day, but here are a few reasons we should be watchmen eagerly looking for the glorious appearing of Jesus:

• The separation between God and man will be ended and we will dwell together as it was in Eden.  “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” –Revelation 21:3.  This one expectation stands apart as the greatest longing of all believers.  Although many are out of touch with this cry, the time is quickly coming when love for Jesus will cause all believers to mourn His absence.  Together we will cry, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Matthew 9:15, Revelation 22:20)
• Jesus will take His great power and reign as King over the earth.  Because of His love for righteousness and truth, He will go out like a mighty warrior and destroy all His enemies.  All injustice will be avenged in perfect righteousness.  For the oppression of the poor and the sighing of the needy, He will ride forth into battle and bring justice. (Psalm 12:5, 45:3-7, Revelation 11:17-18)
• When the Lord descends from heaven, the dead in Christ will rise, all believers will join Him in the sky, and they will receive resurrected bodies.  Paul testified that his hope was in the resurrection of the dead.  (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, 1 Corinthians 15:35-57, Acts 24:15)

For me, these events seem far removed from my daily life.  How can I set my hope on what I do not see?  But as I begin thinking and talking about these things, I’m beginning to believe with Paul that, “If we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” –Romans 8:25. In many of the passages I have referenced, we are encouraged to talk about these things or to encourage each other with these words.  That exhortation I pass along to you.  This week, talk about the coming of Jesus, and rejoice in the expectation of His return.  We are in need of the anchor of hope, so set your eyes fully on the revelation of Jesus and His coming.

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