Living Hope

He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I Peter 1:3 How do Peter's words above affect you? What emotions and thoughts do they stir? As we contemplate the meaning of the cross, the tomb, and His resurrection, where do our meditations take us? There are no words that are adequate for the greatest event from the beginning of creation till now. Because of it, we who believe and fully receive the risen Christ are "born again to a living hope." A LIVING HOPE. This truth should be coursing through our being no matter where our lives are currently situated. Think upon the disciples in the immediate aftermath of the crucifixion. Think of the depths of their sorrow, their seeming hopelessness and despair. They had no idea of the living hope that was their inheritance. Perhaps that's where you're at on this day. You know about the cross, of His "blowing the doors off of His tomb," of His resurrection, but like the disciples, you're not experiencing the riches of what has happened. You know the facts, but you don't know the experience and reality of it for yourself. But, you can! I know what it's like to be in the place described above. I know what it's like to wake up, day after day, each day looking like the last one; gray, dark, with hope nearly gone, or fully gone. I know what it's like to be faced with the choice to either believe His promises, His truth, and the promise of His living hope, or to turn from it. I also know the result of choosing the former, regardless of what the enemy, working through the circumstances, tries to get you to believe. I know what it's like to live in His living hope even when it feels like anything but. I know, because at the perfect time, He blew the doors off of my tomb and brought me into the fullness of His risen life. And He has done so for me time and time again.He will for you as well, if you truly believe, you will fully receive. I promise you, where you are is not where He will leave. He didn't leave the disciples huddled in their fear. He appeared to them, and more than once. Wherever we are, He will show up, and He has infinite ways of doing so. Your day may be gray and dark, and your feelings and emotions may be at their lowest ebb. Look up, as Scripture directs, for your redemption is not only near, it is here. He is here offering you all the fullness of His risen life. If you have believed upon Him for salvation, believe upon Him for His resurrection life. It is the fruit of His victory. It is yours, and it is mine. Let us walk in it, with Him, all the way into eternity, and beyond. Blessings, Pastor O