“…and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” (Matthew 12:21 ESV)
In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10)
The World and Hope
It has been so cold for so long! The inclement weather began here last Saturday. First came the snow, accumulating and settling. The frigid cold followed. Day after day, it continues. And the forecast of relief has always seemed an ever shifting few days ahead.
The threat of power outages, the grey dismal skies, and the biting wind combine to make the next few days loom rather than bustle on our calendars.
Looking at the meteorologist’s promises does not help. Because what we SEE outweighs the map’s promise.
This is similar to our outlook regarding God’s enemy, the world. At first glance, Christianity seems on the decline, numerically. Right and Wrong are miss-defined in society. Anger and selfishness are rampant. The world, in our eyes, is overcoming God and His people.
That is exactly why God gives us the gift of hope. Romans 8:24 says, “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?” We cling to hope when our observation tempts us to dismay and despair.
The good news of the gospel is more than a promise of heaven. God’s enemy, the world, also finds its true hope in Christ Jesus… even though they do not know it, yet. In HIS name, the Gentiles will hope! And of HIM the nations will inquire!
When things look darkest, He gives hope.
Take the hope God grants us.