Where do you find hope? Why do we need hope? What is hope? One of my dictionaries defines it this way: “to wish for something with expectation of its fulfillment.” When you think about it, everybody needs hope. Hope helps to sustain us when life tries us. The past two years have been trying times.
This is true for Christians and non-believers. Functionally, Christian hope and worldly hope are the same. They both denote a positive expectation. Other than that, Christian or biblical hope and worldly hope are worlds apart. When unbelievers express hope, they don’t necessarily have a basis for their hope. They may just be hoping for the best. At best, the hope of the world is rooted in a fallible thing or person.
The basis of Christian hope is revealed in Hebrews 11:1. It says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for.” The word substance from the Greek language literally denotes “that which underlies.” Hence, substance is the reality that underlies the mere appearance. In other words, faith is what underlies the Christian hope.
I think this illustration may help. Think about a tall building. One of the most vital aspects of its construction you cannot see. That is the foundation on which the building is built. The taller the building is, the deeper the foundation must be. Also, the stronger the underlying foundation is, the more difficult it is for the forces of nature to bring it down. Similarly, our hope is powered by faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord. He is the strength of our foundation, that underlies biblical hope.
I invite you to take a few minutes to read the lyrics or listen via YouTube to the great hymn; “The Church’s One Foundation.”
This Sunday we will focus more on this topic of hope. We will be looking at 1 Peter 1: 1-8. Please read, pray and mediate upon it. Consider these two questions:
How can these words Peter speak help us have strength to stand in the midst of any trying times we might find ourselves in?
Could it be a there is some kind of “living hope” to claim or reclaim that will strengthen the foundation of our faith?
I hope to see you in worship this Sunday!
Blessings,
Pastor Dave