REJOICING IN HOPE
Among the many expressions used to describe God’s nature is the phrase “the God of Hope” (Romans 15:13). How are we to understand the significance of this “hope”? In normal conversation when we use the word “hope” there is generally some element of doubt. We would like to believe something favourable may occur, but we cannot be certain. However, when we look at the word “hope” in the Scripture, we find it leaves no room for doubt about the future. It means something anticipated with pleasure, with confidence and assurance. God wants us to be in no doubt about the hereafter. This “blessed hope” is offered to us by a heavenly Father who loves us and has our best interests at heart.
It is hard to imagine any state more desolate than living without hope, without any assurance about one’s future. In Ephesians 2:12 the man or woman without Christ is described as being “without hope”. Without a settled assurance about the life to come, the richest man would be poor while, on the other hand, the poor man who rejoices in hope is truly rich.
Hope sustains the believer in times of severe trial and directs the mind to a better world and the glorious prospect of immortality at the coming again of the Lord Jesus. This hope is described as an “anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19). The apostle Paul, who suffered so much for the cause of the Lord Jesus said, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable”. The prospect of being forever with the Lord enabled him to say, “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us”. How could he say this? He saw the big picture. He was “rejoicing in hope” and his “affection was set on things above” (Colossians 3:2).
It is interesting to note that the word “hope” occurs 141 times in the Bible, 13 of these in the book of Romans. This is most significant, in that Romans deals in detail with God’s plan of salvation from sin through faith in the Lord Jesus and how sinful men may be freely justified, meaning to be found not guilty by a holy God. It is to such people, and only to such people, that God offers this joyous hope (Romans 5:2, 12:12). One of the most delightful Scriptures dealing with “hope” is found in Romans 15:13: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy spirit”. These “great and precious promises” joy, peace and hope are extended to us by a bountiful, loving heavenly Father. They embrace the present life and the life to come. Christians are told to be “looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). Let us “REJOICE IN HOPE!”
This article was written by Pastor Geoffrey Davies. He is a frequent contributor to this column. He lives in Melbourne, Australia, where he pastored a church for over twenty-five years. Since 1983 he has travelled widely, continuing his ministry of encouragement and Bible teaching.
