3 Important Implications of Hope

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

It is hard to put into words exactly how important hope is for humanity. We need hope in order to get out of bed each morning. We need hope to endure through what Martin Luther King Jr calls "finite disappointment." We all face finite disappointment, don't we? We are disappointed by the weather, our kids, our job, our sports teams, our spouse and often ourselves.

Dr King said we must "never lose infinite hope." The Bible speaks about that infinite hope. Christian hope is unlike how we normally think of hope. We often say, "I hope it doesn't rain on Saturday" or "I hope we can go on vacation this summer." The Bible speaks of hope in very different terms. Christian hope is best defined as confident expectation. For the Christian, hope is rooted in the person and work of Jesus.  

Jesus claimed to be fully God and fully man. He was the only person in history to live a perfect life. Jesus died a horrible death on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of all of humanity. He did not remain dead. Three days later Jesus rose from the dead, overcoming the power of death. Jesus promised that he will one day return and take all those who believe in him to be with him. 

Death is the one thing that no other human can overcome. No matter how moral, good or religious we may be, we will all one day face death. 

Jesus, however, went into and overcame the infinite darkness of death. Therefore, he is the only one qualified to offer those who trust in him infinite hope. Jesus promised that he will return to be with those who follow him through faith. 

Why does this matter?

Here are 3 practical implications to consider.

1. Purpose

The Christian has a purpose and urgency about life because we know we have been sent on a divine mission, to do a divine task, with divine power, for the glory of God until he returns.

It gives meaning to our existence.

It means:
You are not just the sum total of your biology.
You are not just being tossed about on the waves of chance.
You are not just here to muddle through each day and "hope" to eek out an existence.

No, the Bible says:
You have dignity- because you are made in the image of God.
You have been given talents and abilities that you are to use.
You, as a Christian, have the power of the Holy Spirit to help you.
Jesus will one day return to celebrate your faithfulness.

The Christian life is a life of purpose lived for the glory of God.

2. Priorities

Our time on this earth is short. When you realize that your life has purpose, the reality of Jesus' return will help you order your priorities.

We, as Christians, must allow the priorities of God to become our priorities. You know you are making progress in your Christian life when the priorities of God become your own.

I think this is captured well in the popular praise song by Hillsong United called Hosanna.

"Heal my heart and make it clean. Open up my eyes to the things unseen. Show me how to love like You have loved me. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause. As I walk from earth into eternity."

When we begin to see the world as Jesus sees the world it will have a significant impact on how we use our time, talent and money.

3. Protects

Christian hope in the return of Jesus ought to protect us from wasting our lives. It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day routine of life. It is so easy let our guard down. When you are reminded that you have been given a purpose for your life by God and that your priorities are to align with God's priorities then you will be protected from wasting your life.

What will you have to show for the opportunities you have been given in life?

I fear that we are often more concerned with surrounding ourselves with the comforts of this life than living a life on mission to maximize our impact for God. You only have a finite amount of time to use the gifts, talents and abilities that you have been given until you go to meet Jesus or he returns.
Don’t waste it!