In an environment of Covid-19 lockdowns, face masks, massive job losses, one-party rule, government lies about treatments, forced vaccinations of the Covid-19 Vaccines that have killed thousands of people, including massive hospitalizations, it’s easy to give up your HOPE.
When you finally stop believing in the mainstream media, politicians, pharmaceutical companies, Social Media, and Silicon Valley Corporations; there’s only place to go, the Holy Bible!
God has given us incredible promises. If you’re running low on Hope, go to the Bible to recharge.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a Living Hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3-5)
What exactly does Peter mean when he speaks of “a Living Hope”?
Peter states that it is the “New Birth” that provides our Living Hope, affirming that salvation is a Gift from God.
Peter is often times referred to as the Apostle of Hope.
In this Passage, Peter links our new birth; our salvation, with the idea of “a Living Hope.”
The Hope Peter speaks of is not the wishful thinking usually associated with the word Hope today.
We might say, “I hope it doesn’t rain,” or “I hope I pass the test.” But this is not the kind of Hope Peter has in mind.
The Greek term for “Hope” in the Passage means: “An eager, confident expectation.”
This Hope of the believer is not only “Living” but “Lively.”
Unlike the empty, dead hope of this world, this “Living Hope” is energizing, alive, and active in the soul of the believer. “We live with great expectation.” Our Living Hope originates from a living, and resurrected Savior.
Peter’s Living Hope is Jesus Christ.
In this Passage, Peter is speaking to Christians who were suffering persecution in Asia Minor, with his words meant to encourage them in their troubles. Their future was secure because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Their hope was in His victory over death and His resurrection life. Whatever the persecuted believers would face in this world could not compare to the blessings of the future resurrection and the life to come in eternity.
Living Hope is anchored in the past, Jesus rose from the dead.
Living Hope also enables us to live without despair as we encounter suffering and trials in this present life: “Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day-by-day.
For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So, we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18)
Our Hope is that after we have lived this life for Jesus, we will be like Him, and we will be with Him eternally. That’s what we live for.
This requires that we don’t have our focus on things of the earth, but that we have our eyes set in the heavenly places.
You cannot survive long without Hope. Hope keeps us going through painful experiences and fear of what the future may hold.
In a fallen world where people face poverty, disease, hunger, injustice, disaster, war, and terrorism, we need a Living Hope.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2:12, that those who don’t have Jesus Christ do not have Hope.
Believers are blessed with real and substantial Hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
By the power of God’s Word and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, this Living Hope quickens our minds and souls. (Hebrews 4:12). It changes our thoughts, words, and actions.
The believer’s Living Hope is solid and secure: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Remember; when all seems lost, never forget that Jesus Christ is our Savior, our salvation, and our Living Hope!
Your future looks bright when, you see it from Jesus Christ’s Perspective!
