Despair looks to overtake us. Our youthful optimism gradually meets the realities of life. There is no escaping the fact of death and decay. Everything deteriorates with time. Cars rust. Gardens go to weeds. Bodies age. Systems break down. Empires rise and fall. Solomon’s sigh becomes all too familiar: “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?" (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3, NIV) Unless . . .
We know Jesus Christ and the ‘redemption’ He gives to those who receive Him by faith. Let’s not sell our faith short by making it into a little bit of inspiration to just get us through another day! Christ Jesus breaks down the barrier of time, giving us unending life. He brings Light to the dark despair by showing us that He is greater than sin and Satan. He shows us that our suffering is temporary and useful to God to cause us to hunger for the as yet unseen reality of our Father’s House. In short, Christians find a whole new way to live now because of the Hope of restoration, renewal, and justice!
Paul exclaims "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?" (Romans 8:18-24, NIV)
Living with grief I am tempted to look back, mourning for the life I once enjoyed. The rosy tint of nostalgia gives a sentimental glow to days gone by. I long to hear the laughter of my children in my house again. I ache to hold my wife in my arms, to hear her voice, to know her love. But, looking back too long only produces sorrow and robs me of vision. Spending too much wandering yesterday’s roads in your memory has no good end.
Forgive the failures!
Celebrate the victories!
Make a memorial to love!
Forgive the failures!
Celebrate the victories!
Make a memorial to love!
Then, look ahead to the glory that will be revealed.
Paul says that the stirring of the Holy Spirit, that peace and Presence of God that we know, is but the firstfruits of what is to come. Our best experiences of worship and the Joy of the Lord are just samplings of what God holds in reserve for us. Yes, for this time we do groan. We feel the weight of sin and all that it has brought to this Creation. But, we turn to the Lord and we find reason to hope because we know that the reign of death is limited and eternity, not a grave, is our destiny.
Feeling overwhelmed? Lost sight of tomorrow? Here is a word from the Word. Let it speak to your spirit, lifting you in hope today.
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad.
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad.
There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." (1 Peter 1:3-7, NLT)
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Who breaks the power of sin and darkness?Whose love is mighty and so much stronger?The King of Glory, the King above all kings!
Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder?Who leaves us breathless in awe and wonder?The King of Glory, the King above all kings!
This is amazing grace,This is unfailing love,That You would take my place,That You would bear my cross.You laid down Your lifeThat I would be set free,Oh Jesus, I sing for all that You've done for me.
Who brings our chaos back into order?Who makes the orphan a son and daughter?The King of Glory, the King of Glory!
Who rules the nations with truth and justice,Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance?The King of Glory, the King above all kings!
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!Worthy is the King who conquered the grave!
This Is Amazing GraceJeremy Riddle | Josh Farro | Phil Wickham
© 2012 Phil Wickham Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Seems Like Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Bethel Music Publishing
© 2012 Phil Wickham Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Seems Like Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Bethel Music Publishing
CCLI License # 810055
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