Restoring Hope

It’s easy to lose sight of hope at times, which is why it’s important to remember one thing: Jesus Christ is going to return. While it is true we do not know the day or the hour in which the Father will tell the Son, “Go get Your Bride,” rest assured He will return. This Blessed Hope is more important to our daily life than some may realize. Consider some things the book of Hebrews has to say.
   Hebrews 6:17-19 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.
   It is comforting to know God cannot lie, which means biblical hope is a sure expectation, as opposed to mere wishful thinking. Look at what hope does for the soul: it provides an anchor which holds us steady. It brings stability to our emotions, as it also centers our minds when thoughts want to go rampant during difficult times. Our Blessed Hope puts things in proper perspective: everything on earth is temporary. That means even the most long, drawn-out circumstance has a shelf-life. Even though it may appear to be something that will never go away, it will! To be clear, hope is not a message of escapism; it’s a message of victory and yearning to be united with our Father and Jesus in person -to go home.
   Remember, Jesus said: “Occupy until I come” (Luke 19:13). What does that look like?
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in Heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20).
   It’s tempting to try to figure out when Jesus is coming back, but again, consider what He said to the disciples: Acts 1:6-8 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
   We’re not supposed to get too hung up on the times and the seasons. Yes, watch and pray. And to be clear part of the Doctrine of Christ does include the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment (see Hebrews 6:1-3). So, this is not to say we should avoid eschatology or the study of the end times. Notwithstanding, we should not get lost in the minutia of figuring out when Jesus is coming back. If what Jesus said isn’t enough, here’s a couple quick things to consider. How could you possibly make any sort of approximation of His return when God withheld specific things which were heard by His servants. Read Revelation 10:1-4 and Daniel 12:1-4. It’s very difficult to be accurate when you have missing information that can never be found out on this side of eternity. Essentially, we need to stay focused on the Lord’s business. We’ll leave this rabbit trail now.
When you combine hope with faith and patience you have a recipe for inheriting the promises of God.
   Hebrews 6:10-12 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His Name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
   Finally, no matter how wonderful things might be for you, or how not so wonderful they may be; remember, the best is yet to come. You’re not home yet!

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