A BETTER HOPE

 

Saturday, May 18, 2024

 

A BETTER HOPE

 

Reading: Hebrews 6:13-20

 

Heb 6:17-19

17 Where in God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

18 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:

19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

 

          The writer of Hebrews recognized in himself and in his readers troubling elements of doubt, so he addressed the topic with these words. In these verses he uses multiple images of hope.

 

          In verse seventeen he uses the word “promise” which is the Greek word apaggelia which indicates an announcement; a pledge; specifically of divine assurance of good. This word calls upon us to believe what God said was, and still is, true.

 

          If a promise was insufficient, God then confirmed it with an oath. This word is the Greek word herkos which indicates a restraint or a boundary line. This calls to mind a negotiated peace treaty. God restrains Himself within a boundary line which He will not cross.

 

          This is a strong consolation for the doubters. It is based upon two immutable [unchangeable] things, the promise, and the oath. The writer then gives an added assurance, especially to the Jews, when he says that this hope rests securely upon the mercy seat which resides within the veil. It is protected between two cherubs, upon a platform of gold which is sprinkled with blood. Within that sacred chest are symbols of God’s intervention and care, the two tablets of law for guidance, a pot of manna for provision, and Aaron’s rod that budded for life.

 

Lord, when I doubt, I do so against strong evidence of your faithfulness. Give me the wisdom to trust you today. AMEN

 

GENERATIONS!

 

Friday, May 17, 2024

 

GENERATIONS!

 

Ps 71:17-18

17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. 18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

 

          From my youth! The psalmist remembers the way God has guided him, protected him, and used him like a sharp instrument. He recalls the satisfying relationship he has had and still has with his Lord. But he senses his edge is becoming dull.

 

          Old and gray headed! Now the psalmist feels the approach of age. He has run his race swiftly and valiantly but now he looks for a younger and stronger one to whom he might pass the baton while he slows for a rest. He expects one like himself waiting to grasp that baton and sprint to the finish. But there is concern in his voice.

 

          Generations change! The generation we now see do not share our focus and has not accumulated our experiences or our wisdom. Worse, they do not seem interested in learning. He asks his God for continued strength to keep running because the expected relay partner was not at the appointed connecting point. He prays!

 

          He is focused on the next generation! He puts aside his disappointment in their youthful errors because he remembers his own. He asks God to let him become a mentor and to spend the last of his strength as a coach. He wants the next generation to know and experience God like he has. Only then will he feel at ease to stop and rest.

 

          Are you young? Look around and find your mentor. Likely there is one watching you. Are you old? Look around for a candidate and invest yourself in him or her.

 

Joel 1:3

3 Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.

 

Dear Lord, let me pour myself into a younger and stronger vessel. AMEN

 

AMAZING GRACE

 

Thursday, May 16, 2024

 

AMAZING GRACE

 

Eph 2:5-9

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened [caused the dead to live] us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come he might shew [put on display] the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 

          Amazing grace was written by John Newton, a slaver turned Anglican priest. It is arguably the most known and enduring hymn of Christendom. Most hymnals only contain four of the THIRTEEN verses leaving out one of my favorites which is verse five.

 

My conscience owned and felt the guilt,

And plunged me in despair;

I saw my sins His blood had shed,

And helped to nail Him there.

 

          A fun thing to do with the words is to change the tune. It has been sung to the theme of Gilligan’s Island. Okay, now you can’t get that out of your head, can you? So, try “House of the Rising Sun.” The point is that no matter the tune, the truth is clear. “Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved.”

 

          My personal favorite is Scottish bagpipes. Perhaps it is the drone, or groan, of the pipes that gives it soul.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for your Amazing Grace. AMEN