In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. – Ephesians 1:11-12 ESV
Have you ever noticed that most cultures have a story of bondage and mistreatment? Just think about your own culture for a second, do you have an independence day? What did your country become independent from? What was life like for your ancestors before they became independent?
There will most likely be some tales of mistreatment, poor working conditions, and the inability to make choices that impacted their lives. Interestingly, the apostle Paul often used the word slaves when describing those who were in the family of God.
Paul is quick to point out the differences in our lives once we begin walking with Christ. People act differently than those who are enslaved to the dictates and traditions of the world.
What makes the difference? Our hope in Christ.
Our Hope in Christ
When we were slaves of the world, we had no hope of anything beyond what we already had. We knew that we were being expected to meet a standard that continually changed but without someone to advocate for us, we had no hope.
As a follower of Christ, we have hope. We know that things may not be as we would have liked them to be. But this life is not the end of it for us. The apostle says we have an inheritance (Ephesians 1:11) through Christ.
When Jesus returns, He brings with Him the reward of eternal life, as well as, a new heaven and a new earth.
The life that we’re living may not be easy but we have hope of a better future, a better tomorrow. We can hope that when we see Jesus we will receive our reward. Not the reward we earned through our sinful behavior, the reward that was given to us freely when we accepted the gift of salvation.
Can you imagine how maudlin life would be if our only hope was more of the same? What if the system that exists here continued forever and ever? How depressing! Thankfully, we don’t have to worry because we have obtained redemption through the blood of Jesus.
My friend, I don’t know what your struggles are today, but if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can put your hope in Him.
Prayer
Father, thank You for giving us hope in the Person of Your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to remember that whatever happens, we can remain optimistic because this world is not our home and we have the hope of something better. Help us to share this hope with someone who needs it, in Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Pause for Reflection
- How has your life changed since you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Master?
- What is your biggest hope for when Jesus returns?
- How can you begin to experience that hope today?
Other actions you can take:
