Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 30, 2015
Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.’ John 2:19
There was a parenthesis of three days following Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave. It was hard to be hopeful when it seemed so dark. Had the Romans won? Were the religious accusers right? For many disciples of Jesus their hope died when He died. They forgot or failed to believe His promise to bring Himself back to life after a short delay. Since the Holy Spirit had yet to be given by Jesus, their hope struggled to survive. Hope was threatened.
Are you suffering in a parenthesis of pain? Is your hope vague or nonexistent? Be reassured, in your loss you can still gain peace from God. You can be hopeful for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit comforts, instructs and inspires your faith. Hopeful expectations energize faith and create spiritual stamina. Dreams die, but Jesus can bring them to life: clearer and more compelling. Relationships die, but Jesus can bring them to life: real and robust. Hope expects life in Christ.
“No one takes it [my life] from me, but I [Jesus] lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again” (John 10:18).
Furthermore, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the primary reason His church continues to come alive around the globe. Why else would it endure? The church launched as a result of Jesus’ coming back to life. It is still alive, because He’s alive. The empty tomb, emptied the first disciples of themselves and by faith they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus still keeps His word. He rebuilds what man destroys. He gives hope to hearts empty of self and full of the Spirit. Faith in Him gives us hope.
We can be hopeful, because Jesus does what He says. He prepares for us a place after death. Our first breath in heaven will follow our last breath on earth. We will be in His presence forever. Our bodies will be destroyed, but He will give us a resurrected and glorified body. So, be hopeful in your hurt. Trust Jesus to heal your heart. Believe God to repair your broken marriage. Be hopeful you can become better. Your hopeful expectations just might inspire others to hope. Be hopeful!
“Your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, hope in You helps me remain faithful to You and Your will.
Related Readings: Psalm 71:5, 78:7; Luke 14:14; John 11:24-25; Acts 2:31; Philippians 3:20-21
Post/Tweet today: Our first breath in heaven will follow our last breath on earth. #behopeful #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 5 minute video- Christ Tomlin: I Will Rise
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