I’m writing a series of posts on somethings that I have enjoyed as a pastor, particularly in the first year of being a lead pastor. Today is the 4th post. You might also want to view post 1, post 2, and post 3.
#4: Considering Hope
Hope is one of the prevalent themes in the Scripture in general, and the NT in particular. However, we’d have to admit that it is a challenge to retain a posture of hope, to recognize the situations in our lives and the outlook of our world with hopeful disposition.
Hope is not blind optimism, a “whistling past the graveyard,” type of an idea. Hope considers the reality around us, allows the weight of it to shape our hearts and minds, and still holds the resolve of the desired end.
Christian hope confesses that Jesus is Israel’s crucified and risen Messiah, and the world’s one true Lord. God’s kingdom, arriving and developing in the midst of this current world, will arrive completely when Jesus appears again.
Christian hope is robust. It causes us to both long for the day of Jesus appearing and to pay attention to what is going on the present.
Many occupations have a particular part to play in people’s lives. Financial planners give financial advice; lawyers give legal advice; accountants give budget/spending/tax advice. Christians in general, pastors in particular, plant hope. The Christian could be the most hope-filled person in the room.
At times, however, we are not known to be the hopeful one. At times we can resemble the the most pessimistic person in the room. There is obviously a time to tear down and to over throw… but deconstruction gives vibrant possibilities to build and to develop after the tearing down process.
May we be people of hope. May our hearts beat faster and disposition be brighter. May our words create and inspire. May our lives flourish and point towards the appearing of Jesus.
Joe Skillen 