For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 ESV)
Gifts and Hope
Last year, some of our family gave us a gift certificate to a local historical site. That gift was not yet visible… it was a promise.
After the postponements due to winter, the effects of Covid-19, and a too-full calendar, we finally used that gift certificate a couple of weeks ago. The site was interesting, informative, and fun. But the best part of our visit was the fulfilment of the promise made last Christmastime.
God’s gift of eternal life is a promise, too.
We do not see it, yet. We do not experience it, yet. We do not physically glance at it, listen to it, or hold it close on a stormy night.
It is a promise. It is hope.
When waiting for peace is still tumultuous, have hope. When waiting for health is sickening, have hope. When waiting for financial security is insecure, have hope. When waiting for love is lonely, have hope. When waiting for time to not matter so much is tedious, have hope. When waiting for laughter is heartbreaking, have hope. When waiting for promises to be kept seems hopeless, have hope.
God gave proof that our hope is secure when He sent His promise-keeper to Bethlehem Ephrathah. God gave proof that our hope is secure when He sacrificed His only begotten Son in our place. God gave proof that our hope is secure when that death defeated Sin’s curse: death. God gave proof that our hope is secure when Christ Jesus ascended into heaven, leaving the door open for His people.
Hope is a great gift.
Take the hope God grants us.