What Hope Does

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,..

“To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf.” Colossians 1:1-7

Paul greets the saints and faithful brothers by extending grace and peace, embracing them with his words. He then continues his blessing of them by reminding them of his constant thoughts, thankfulness, and prayer on their behalf. He commends them for their faith in Christ Jesus and their love for the saints because of their hope in heaven. Once the Lord planted hope in Paul, his life passion was to see that others knew and lived its fruits also. Grace and peace, gratitude and love, fruitfulness and understanding and serving as an example, all were borne of hope in Christ, all a gift of His immeasurable grace and favor.

Ah! Hope that is sure and unshakable changes hearts, defines and refines purpose, and infuses God’s people with the ingredients that build the Body! Hope ignites faith and love! Indeed, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the outgrowth of the certain hope Jesus has initiated for us on the cross and secured for us in heaven. Without hope and the promise of what is to come, there would be no substance or object or motivation of faith. When exercised, it is evidenced in good works that foster growth and joy among God’s people and spread the fragrance of Christ in the world. (2 Corinthians 2:15; Hebrews 11:1; James 2:17-18)

How does our hope measure? This is not empty wish or human ‘hope-for,’ but a guaranteed promise of life eternal with our Savior. Hope based on our desire or effort is not substantial, but hope grounded in Christ’s finished work is solid and sure. Do we need to elevate our thinking about the hope promised in the Bible? What attitude of self-righteous deserving need we surrender in order to take hold of the hope Jesus offers? How might it transform our outlook going forward?

In this life we groan with longing for a glorified earth, glorified bodies and minds. Troubles remind us this world is not our home, but troubles met with hope find comfort in pain and spiritual energy to persevere. Hope distills all that is presently difficult in the dew of promise of what will certainly come. Will we choose to live and love in hope’s light and joy? How can we express tangible hope to a hurting world? (Romans 8:18-25)

God, fill me with joy and peace in believing so I abound in hope, to Your praise. (Romans 15:13)