Articles
The Blessings of the Lord
As I began writing this our space craft landed off the coast of Northern Florida. The two Astronauts who had been in space for nine months were safely back on earth. It occurred to me that even though our accomplishments are great and wonderful, they pale in comparison with those of our Lord. Truly we are very thankful for a completed mission into space. But I can't help but think of the One who created that space, along with the rest of His creation. Does not Colossians chapter three come to mind?
"If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of god. Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:1,2)
When considering the many blessings and promises the Lord has given us, there's one that probably we usually think of often; maybe every day as Christians. The one I have in mind is HOPE. It should give us great comfort in constantly knowing He has promised us a home in heaven when this life ends, or His Son comes again. We can be confident and expect He will complete His promise to us -- eternal life with Him, a home in heaven. (Romans 5:1-11; John 3:15-17;Ephesians 1:13,14, etc)
The blessing of a "living hope" as Peter puts it should be one of the most wonderful blessings on our minds daily. Please look with me at a few passages that emphasize that which will reinforce our assurance and trusting faith in His promises.
“For IN HOPE we have been saved, but hope that is seen in not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we HOPE for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it." (Romans 8:24,25)
"...but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to every one who asks you to give an account for THE HOPE that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." (1 Peter 3:15)
"For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, SO THAT YOUR FAITH AND HOPE ARE IN GOD." (1 Peter 1:20,21)
Notice a very special passage penned by the Hebrew writer in chapter six: "In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, in order that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement , we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of THE HOPE SET BEFORE US. This HOPE WE HAVE AS AN ANCHOR OF THE SOUL, hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.." (Hebrews 6:17-20)
Finally let us look at Paul's instructions to the young Timothy regarding our proper mindset: "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, BUT ON GOD, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." (1 Timothy 6:17)
HOPE is possible because God has provided a plan, a way for us to know and look forward to our home with Him. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life that makes it a real HOPE for us. Those who are faithful and remain so throughout life will be those who are rewarded with that HOPE after awhile.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to every one who believes (acting faith); to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16)
Ross
