Sunday, September 17, 2017

September 17

Isaiah 25:1-28:13; Galatians 3:10-22; Psalm 61:1-8; Proverbs 23:17-18

Sarah, Mary, Esther and I have mentioned in this blog the consistency of Scripture. We’ve noticed that often the same truth will be in both the Old and New Testament sections of our reading.

And that is true today, too. One of the truths that permeates each passage is in Proverbs 23:18: “Surely there is a future hope for you and your hope will not be cut off."

Hope.

Hope is a theme of Scripture that gives us life and vitality even when circumstances are tough. We see hope displayed in nature as the seasons change. It’s autumn now and, though it’s still warm here in southern California, even here the trees are shedding their leaves and the summer gardens are dying. In colder climates, snow and ice will come and cover the ground. But the dormant soil will become fertile again in the spring.

Our God is a God of hope.

Isaiah wrote, “Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; Your Name and renown are the desire of our hearts” (Is. 26:8). Isaiah expressed hope in terms of waiting—there is joy in the way he waits for God to act during very dark times in Judah and when Judah is facing certain judgment. In fact, he writes with joy of the day to come when “on this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all the peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines” (25:6). Isaiah waits with hope, knowing that judgment and even exile are ahead, but they are not the end of God’s story.

The end of God’s story is always hope—hope that is based on God’s faithfulness and goodness and not on circumstances or even obedience. Paul makes a big point in Galatians of saying that we couldn’t obey the law; it couldn’t save us or bring hope. Instead, “what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe” (Gal. 3:22b).

Our hope is based on what Jesus Christ gives to those who believe.

“Jesus, we thank you that you are Hope and that our future is safe in Your hands.”


- Nell Sunukjian

How did God speak to you in Scripture today? Click here to share your reflections on God's word or read past posts. We'd love to hear from you.

1 comment:

  1. Yes, hope is such an essential need for all of us in this life, whether it's for eternity, for a better physical life, for healing, for forgiveness, or merely the hope we as parents , & grandparents need to extend to children when they need discipline so they have hope of your forgiveness ,& acceptance. I like the whole faith, hope,& love trilogy. God made us & knows we all need something to do, someone to love, someone to believe in, & we need something to hope for! I want to commit my life to helping others to believe in & live for Jesus Christ, love God & the people in their lives,& to have eternity with Jesus to look forward to.

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