Heb 6:18-20 (Living) He has given us both his promise and his oath, two things we can completely count on, for it is impossible for God to tell a lie. Now all those who flee to him to save them can take new courage when they hear such assurances from God; now they can know without doubt that he will give them the salvation he has promised them.
19 This certain hope of being saved is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, connecting us with God himself behind the sacred curtains of heaven, 20 where Christ has gone ahead to plead for us from his position as our High Priest, with the honor and rank of Melchizedek.
OBSERVATION
Have you ever seen the face of a person without hope? On a mission trip in Athens I was at a refugee center that was providing for the most basic needs for food, clothing and language skills but more important than these they were giving out some hope, it was the good news about Jesus. Although there were many unhappy faces there I remember one man in particular that I was moved by, he seemed to be very troubled, alone and without hope for a better day.
What a terrible sight to see a person without hope, you never hear of hope as a basic necessity but I say that it is almost that important, for without hope life doesn’t seem worth showing up for. No matter how things look today with hope you can draw strength that tomorrow will be a better day but without hope you cannot see yourself making it through the difficulties of this day.
Those that know their loving creator and have a relationship with him have hope in this life and a hope for eternity. Hebrews 6 says that those who have their hope in the Lord have an anchor for their soul, firm and secure.
It brings to mind the despair that the disciples experienced when Jesus was sleeping through a storm that was big enough to sink their boat, then when his sailing companions finally went to him for help then they received the peace that they needed. They received peace and calm, is that what you need?
I remember the woman and man that were caught in adultery and the woman was thrown down at Jesus feet, they didn’t know it but that was just the place that she needed to be. Miraculously he quickly sent her accusers away without a confrontation and then he offered forgiveness, maybe that is what you need today.
Think about how many people with leprosy that Jesus healed. According to my Bible dictionary leprosy was a “skin disease that eats inward to the bones, rotting the whole body piecemeal" what a terrible way to die. Jesus touched these people and offered them hope by cleansing their bodies and bringing healing to them. Do you need a new body today?
Do you need hope, then renew your hope from the only source of hope. The psalmist said “I would have despaired and perished unless your laws had been my deepest delight.” The Lord will renew your hope when you look to his word (Psalms 119:92).
As much trouble as David saw and yet he was still able to say in Psalm 16 “You have let me experience the joys of life and the exquisite pleasures of your own eternal presence.”
How awesome! Despite our circumstances God will give us joy! But wait the best is yet to come because after my time on this planet is over then I will forever enjoy the “exquisite pleasures” of being in God’s presence.
APPLICATION
Help me to remember that my time here is short and I will then be in the pleasure of your presence.
PRAYER
Jesus make me an encouragement to my wife and others that need to be lifted up.
