“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.” (Hebrews 6:19-20a)

In Paul’s list of three things that will last for all eternity, we find, between faith and love, hope. Our hope is established in Jesus Christ. In the promise of the coming Messiah, Isaiah writes, as God says, “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6) In Matthew’s Gospel, he would remind his readers that Jesus fulfilled this promise, “In his name the nations will put their hope.” (Matthew 12:21) With this hope, God would express His love to the whole world through Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Our hope in Jesus Christ changes our perspective to the life we live now. Hope gives us the view of life from the perspective of God. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:13-16 NIV84)

When we read be holy, many of us think, I cannot live up to this standard. Yet, our hope is to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ.  Peter understood what it was like to make a statement then mess things up. From His boast before the crucifixion, to a confrontation with the Apostle Paul, he knew the struggle of following Christ. In restoring Peter, Jesus would ask him three times do you love me. In his response Peter would say I do love you, then Jesus each time gave him an assignment, “Feed my lambs,” “take care of my sheep”, and “feed my sheep.” (John 21:15c,16c,17c) Peter was to grow into his tasks which he is fulfilling in writing his letters.

In Peter’s confrontation with Paul, Paul points out Peter’s hypocrisy. Peter was only recognizing the Jewish believers and distancing himself from Gentile believers. When it had been God’s revelation to Peter that Gentiles were to be accepted. (see Acts 10) The result of this confrontation is stated by Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) As Peter grew in his relationship with God, He would write and encourage his readers, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18) The more we grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ, the more our hope grows.

It is with these challenges in life where our hope grows. Our hope becomes more of the foundation in our lives. It keeps us connected to God. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrew 6:19) Jesus would tell us that life will not be easy. The question is, where do you find what you need to overcome these challenges? In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)

Growing in hope through Jesus Christ helps us in times of difficulty because we know that God is preparing us for eternity. Jesus has come to give us eternal life. Paul would say, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:19) The hope which we have in Jesus is not only for now, but all eternity. How He grows us and builds our hope. “And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:2b-4)

The more we know that God is preparing us for eternity, the more our lives matter as we live for Him. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John16:33b) In overcoming the world, Jesus gives us life, and not just any life, but life that is full and abundant. (John 10:10)

While we live our lives in the hope given to us through Jesus Christ, this is my prayer for you, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block