Being Confident In What We Hope For!

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Today was tax day at my house. After wading through all the forms and schedules, I breathed a sigh of relief when no unexpected surprises surfaced. Today was also a day when death came to call. We received a phone call a little after midnight that a dear friend of mine's mother passed away. Her death was not unexpected, but death always comes with mixed emotions and life change.

Benjamin Franklin and others have quoted a saying by Christopher Bullock (from the 1700’s) which is still heard today – and amazingly with minimal variation.

“Tis impossible to be sure of any thing but Death and Taxes.”

A pretty depressing statement, even if said in jest. Thankfully, the sentiment is SO not true! It is, indeed, possible to be sure of many things, and two amazing and powerful things are found in Hebrews 6:18-19a –

1. God cannot lie.
2. We who have the hope of Christ are secure.

“God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

And, that is just the tip of the iceberg. While life throws many twist and turns at us - like death and taxes - the Bible teaches us that we can trust God’s Word, be confident in our relationship with our Savior and live a life empowered by the Spirit. We are called to be a witness to others of God’s grace and love and bring glory to His name. We can live in confidence of that hope today!

As we enter into Holy Week and look to the sacrifice made at the cross, we are called to live in the reality of Christ’s victory over death. We are challenged to face a time of self-evaluation and consider what needs to be put to death in our own spiritual journey. Moving closer to the cross, we find even more things we can be sure of -
  • That we can be forgiven of anything and everything in our life if we are willing to repent.
  • That we are loved unconditionally and deeply - beyond anything we can even imagine.
  • That we are safe and secure in the hope of our salvation.
  • That we will live just as Christ lives.

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 2 Timothy 1:9-10

We can be sure of this –

Christ Jesus has destroyed death.
Christ Jesus has brought life.

Thank you, Jesus, that you are so much bigger than death…or taxes. May we see you at work in our lives this week as we seek to forgive others as you have forgiven us. May we put to death any idols or grudges that we may have toward others. May we surrender our will into your hands, trusting you to do what only you can do – molding us into what you have created us to be - for your glory and honor. Amen.



yokemates.blogspot.com


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