The power of hope – 16 January 2020

“Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope, and so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people. He keeps them for you in heaven, where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away.” 1 Peter 1:3-4 (GNT)

Never underestimate the power of hope. No matter how crushed and depressed you are, hope enables you to lift up your head again and walk tall.

The apostle Peter is the perfect example of the dynamic power of hope. More than any of the other disciples, Peter recognised Jesus for who he truly is. “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” (Matthew 16:16)But he did not realise that the Messiah had to lay down his life.

Then when it happened, just as Jesus had foretold, Peter followed the trials and crucifixion “at a distance”. (Luke 22:54) Peter witnessed the agony of Christ’s sufferings (1 Peter 5:1) but when he died, Peter’s hopes died too. Nothing in the gospels is mentioned of Peter from the night of Jesus’ final trial until the morning of his resurrection.

Then when Peter saw the risen Christ for himself (Luke 24:35) hope surged into his heart again. Christ had risen indeed. The knowledge transformed Peter. As it did the other disciples, as well as the many others who also saw the risen Christ and believed.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, they fearlessly proclaimed the living hope God gives us that those who accept Jesus Christ will receive the rich blessings God has in heaven for his children.

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord.

Prayer: Sovereign Father, we praise you for the living hope we have in Christ Jesus our Lord. May the Holy Spirit empower us to share that hope with others and bring glory to your name. Amen