WHAT IS HOPE?

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

WHAT IS HOPE?

Rom 5:3-5

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

           I love the processes and formulas found in Scripture! They generally begin at the miserable beginning of man and lead to the glorious presence of God. Hope is NOT the goal of the above process. No, the goal is CONFIDENCE, boldness, and the absence of timidity in our defense of Christianity. But hope is the foundation of that confidence.

           The Greek word for hope here is elpis which means “to anticipate with pleasure.” It is literally the opposite of dread which we see in Hebrews 10:26-27 which explains the sinner’s uneasiness when thinking about God.” For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”

           Hope does not stand alone it stands UPON! It rests firmly upon a history of tribulation endured and patience gained. Patience is rewarded with experience which is the understanding that defeat is not necessary, and that victory is possible. From that soil hope emerges as a pleasant anticipation of good things to come.

Dear Lord, you have allowed pain to visit for a time so that we might develop patience. You have rewarded patience with experience and an anticipation of good things to come. Thank you for your faithfulness to us. AMEN