And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, (Revelation 20:2 ESV)
Monsters and Hope
Even the scariest movies are not so bad the second time we watch them. Even though the suspenseful music is still spine-chilling, re-watching the movie is not as scary. Even though the anticipation of terror is still agonizing, re-watching the movie is not as scary. Even though the monsters are still monstrous, re-watching the movie is not as scary. Because when we know the end, hope is subtly in every scene.
God’s enemies, fierce and cruel, were defeated on the cross.
God’s enemies, and the enemies of His people, were defeated on the cross.
God’s enemies, though they squirm and fight, were defeated on the cross.
And that sure knowledge gives hope.
We know the end of the story. God wins. We know the end of the story. Jesus wins. We know the end of the story. We win.
Hope is not a vague unsure cheerfulness. Hope is knowing the end of the story.
No, we do not know all of the steps needed to get to the end. But no enemies will outsmart God. No circumstances will upset God’s plans. No monsters will roar in triumph.
God wins. Jesus wins. We win.
If your personal monster is financial ruin, have hope because Jesus wins. If your personal monster is guilt, have hope because Jesus wins. If your personal monster is illness, have hope because Jesus wins. If your personal monster is loneliness, have hope because Jesus wins.
Take the hope God grants us.