I Corinthians XII
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. (I Corinthians 15:19 ESV)
Double Hope
These days many of us are ‘so heavenly minded we can do no earthly good.’ Our eyes are delightfully on heaven, and we know that earthly life is temporary, so we get lost, almost, in heavenly contemplation.
When it comes to life here and now, we seem to ask, “why polish the brass on a sinking ship?”
Apparently, the Corinthian Christians had the opposite problem.
They seem to have been so excited about the gospel’s effects in the here-and-now, that they did not think much about hope after death. So Paul encourages them to be more heavenly minded. Hope is not merely for the here-and-now, but it is precious to have hope for heaven.
Both hopes are blessings.
The gospel, we hope, brings healing and help today. Gospel tendrils are entwined in every calendar, every struggle, every commitment, every responsibility, every relationship, every activity, every decision, for every Christian. Hope for today is amazing.
AND the gospel, we hope, brings ultimate restoration between us and God. We have hope, not for this life only… but for eternity. Heaven is perfect, full, and bright. Heaven will be life as God intended life to be, when He started things in the Garden. Not mere, ‘good.’ But VERY good.
Because of Jesus, we have double hope!