Tag: Hope
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Cross of Love
But we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness. 1 Corinthians 1:23 Paul’s statement about the difficulties people have in accepting the message of a crucified Lord is a lament, not a call to action. If the cross is problematic to understand, may it be so for the right reasons…
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Misplaced Hope
David makes a timeless declaration about hope, faith, trust, and where we put our confidence. He could not be any clearer or relevant. We can either trust God or worldly power and might, but not both. The horse and chariot meant military power, but also speaks to technology. When the Israelites were coming into Canaan…
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Advent Revelation
The coming of Jesus, which we celebrate at Christmas, involves not only his birth so long ago but also our present expectation for Christ’s appearing again. But what are we looking for? What does this awaited coming look like for us now? I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew…
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Relentless Advent
The season of Advent, when we wait for the coming of Christ, is more relevant and urgent the more we are experiencing turmoil. If all is generally well, the promise of Christ’s coming is not likely to be as crucial to us. But when life is difficult and darkness looms, the appearing of the Light…
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Outer Darkness and Hope
A Roman centurion approaches Jesus and begs for him to heal his servant, and Jesus is amazed at his faith. In fact, Jesus remarks that he had not encountered a faith like this man’s in all of Israel. “I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table…
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Practicing Hope
Hope is one of three chief virtues, together with faith and love. As with all virtues, courage, humility, perseverance, and all the others, we are required cultivate them. Even though God gives faith, hope, and love, they do not simply appear fully formed in us. Sometimes we wish for virtue to come in this no-effort-required…