The Ultimate Hope

THE FINAL WORD...

DAY THIRTY NINE: Saturday, November 22, 2008

"We are filled with hope, as we wait for the glorious return of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." Titus 2:13 (CEV)


When we read or listen to the latest news at home and around the world our hope can be severly tried. Terrorism, economic woes, nuclear threats from rogue nations, natural disasters, crime, etc., all test our hope for the future.

Yet the Bible promises that an end to conflict, need, and natural disasters is coming.

The ultimate hope for this world however is not in the efforts of man but in the return of Jesus Christ. When He comes, "Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." (Isaiah 2:4)

The assurance of Christ's return inspires us to live pure lives even in seasons of temptation and trouble. "This hope makes us keep ourselves holy, just as Christ is holy." (1 John 3:3)

As we look forward to Christ's return we are not motivated by guilt and fear, but rather by a sense of expectant anticipation that makes us want to be living a life pleasing to Christ when he returns.

It is this ultimate hoe that energizes us when the headlines have demoralized us. This is the focus that enables us to serve God and one another consistently even when our faith is tested and tried.

Action step for today: Read today's headlines in print or on the Internet, then thank God they aren't the final word!