Old Testament: Job 17 & 18
Poetry: Psalm 39
New Testament: John 19
The world is filled with a great deal of uncertainty and challenges, much like a battlefield. At many times, life is so filled with ambushes and snares that we should abide by the military mantra, “expect the unexpected.” Consequently, if we live our lives dodging bullets and treating everyone like they are the enemy, we may survive but we aren’t following orders. You can desert God’s plan and work on one of your own but the glory of God cannot be yours without taking his marching orders. Whatever unforeseen opposition comes our way, we shouldn’t change our battle plan. We have to expect the expected, meaning what we hope for does not change by any circumstance that is thrown our way. Our hope only grows closer in these circumstances, and our faith brings clarity in tumultuous times.
“Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.” – Job 17.9
In the midst of Job’s trials and sufferings, Job speaks that the righteous are true to their pledge. The same hope exists in times of peace and times of war. However, when we are battle-tested and endure, our faith is made stronger, much like tree roots that dig deeper into the soil during a storm. There will be waves of doubt and despair that will combat our hope, but when we are firmly planted in the ground with a source of Living Water, there is nothing that can make us shakeable, to lose the fruit of the Spirit that we bear.
“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” – Psalm 39:7
Conversely, in the fog of war, there is confusion. The next step can seem unclear. In the midst of doing ministry, fighting off sin, or disciplining your children, we must look to the Lord. His solutions are not based in our fleeting circumstances. His answers are not temporary solutions to momentarily cover our wounds. His resolution will be based in eternity. Our hope is in the one whose hands hold the world. We are secure in seeking Him because He is unchanging. He clears the fog and leads us by our faith and not our sight.
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” – John 19:30
We must always bear in mind that Jesus Christ completes this hope. He believed, he hoped that His death on the cross would not only lead to resurrection for himself, but resurrection for us all who put our faith in Him. He fulfilled the hope of so many who were looking for a Messiah in the Old Testament, and he completes the hope of us all who desperately need a Savior. What a great hope is this that while we still struggle with our sins, Christ has already died for us as an offering, so we can be in His kingdom. The cross defeats addiction. The cross defeats abuse. The cross defeats poverty. The cross defeats shame. The cross defeats sin. The cross defeats every power in this age, including the enemy of death. It is in the power of the cross that we have a hope, so we can march on with our banner held high proclaiming the hope that we have and instilling fear in our enemies.
-Aaron Winner
Reflection Questions
- Where do you put your hope? How would you describe it to an unbelieving neighbor?
- What can someone who feels they are in a hopeless situation learn from Job, David and Jesus?
- What do you learn about God from today’s passages?
Seek Grow Love 