This week. A week of passion, war, hatred, redemption and peace. Jesus captured. Reviled. Condemned. Crucified. RISEN. Hope is alive!
Because of this week, because of the cross … hope fills our hearts. Yet war seems always on the horizon. We live in a violent, chaotic world. One in which evil men are ever-present. We can try to ignore the issues as ‘over there’ or ‘in that urban city’ or somewhere ‘not where we’re at’ – but that won’t make them go away.
What wins – is our faith. And the determination to hold on to faith in the face of all hell ... and to walk into that hell covered with hope.
The world is full of bad-hearted men against whom we must stand strong. The world has always had war and ethnic hatreds. Evil men who dream of dictatorial conquests, angry young men who find meaning by joining extremist movements, bullies who find satisfaction in violence against innocent people.
But the man of God is a man of hope – filled with courage, perseverance and faith.
Why are we filled with hope? Because Jesus. That’s our hope - Jesus.
So blindingly simple as to be causally overlooked in the face of chaos – Jesus is the prince of peace, the center of all creation, the Lion of Judah and his kingdom is daily expanding across the globe. He is the beginning and the finish. Alpha/Omega. Hope is alive!
Jesus said one thing that will fill your heart is hope, it’s the theme of our Unshakable events across America.
“Jesus answered them ... “The Father is with me. I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart [take courage]! I've conquered the world." John 16:31-33
Trusting Him we are unshakable. Men of hope.
Stand strong in the confidence of this week. The cross is triumphant. Death is defeated. Beat the bullies of anxiety, depression and fear. Take courage, live covered in hope.
Let this be our anthem, Hope is alive, Hope has a name, Hope’s name is Jesus!
