THERE’S HOPE FOR THE WORLD: The Presentation Determined

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. (Luke 1:1-4)

Luke determined that his presentation of the Gospel would be systematic and trustworthy.  God would guide him in his writing to produce a perfect product—to override any error, but not to obliterate Luke’s personality and personal effort.

Luke’s presentation of the story of Jesus is a result of IMPECCABLE RESEARCH, “just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us” (v.2).  Luke was not an eyewitness like Matthew or John.  But, he interviewed eyewitnesses.  That is a credible testimony—evidence that would stand up in a court of law and meet the demands of historians for accuracy!  He likely got all this nativity and infancy material from an interview with Mary, the mother of Jesus herself!

But his presentation did not only feature his own meticulous effort, but was produced by INFALLIBLE REVELATION, “it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus” (v.3).  While the message was written by a man, it was inspired by the Spirit.  Peter says that Scripture came as “holy men of God…were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Pet.1:21).  A Perfect God would not inspire error; a God of Infinite Wisdom cannot be mistaken; and a God of Truth will not deceive.

When you open your Bible, and turn to Luke’s Gospel you encounter the real Jesus—His words and works—and find the road to heaven.  God and His faithful servant wanted you to know this.  Read it today!

THERE’S HOPE FOR THE WORLD: The Principles Declared

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. (Luke 1:1-4)

Recorded in his Gospel account, we find the vital principles that became Luke’s passion to proclaim.  These principles centered on the most important figure in human history—Jesus Christ. 

Luke will share THE MIRACLE OF CHRIST.  It is true that Luke documents the miracles Christ performed—but, supremely Jesus is the Miracle Man in His person!  How ironic that a doctor gives us the most detail of the supernatural conception that brought the Son of God into the world.  He understood simple biology—that it took a man and a woman to make a baby.  But, this was the exception—a virgin would conceive and bear a child, “Immanuel” God with us!  This is the miracle of the incarnation.

The miracle of His life was foundational to THE MISSION OF CHRIST.  Only One who was fully God and wholly man could reconcile sinners to a Holy God.  That was why Jesus came.  How much this meant to a former hell-bound sinner, now a heaven-bound saint!  The central verse of Luke is found in 19:10: “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”   If that is the central verse, then Luke 15 is the key chapter.  Note the context:

Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.  And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” So He spoke this parable to them, saying: (Luke 15:1-3)

Jesus goes on to speak of a man with one hundred sheep, who has one wander away—and how the shepherd leaves ninety nine to seek the one lost lamb and finds it, returning with rejoicing, restoring that sheep to the flock; of a woman with ten silver pieces who loses one coin—turning the house upside down until she finds that which she values and celebrates its recovery; and of a lost boy—a prodigal son who finally comes back to the father’s arms.  Jesus was condemned by the self-righteous critics for companying with such notorious sinners, yet He embraced it as His mission.  Jesus sought Paul.  That’s what led Paul to find Luke, and Luke to share with us.

So the mission is about declaring THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST.  Jesus came preaching a message of hope to a hopeless world.  From the moment he inaugurates His ministry this is His message.  Consider His first recorded sermon in His hometown:

So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.  And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:  “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”  (Luke 4:16-21).

What a message of hope!  These are the principles Luke declares.

THERE’S HOPE FOR THE WORLD

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. (Luke 1:1-4)

There was a man sitting in the midnight of paganism.  He had tried visiting the altars, offering sacrifices, bowing to images of gods and goddesses—yet, none of this brought satisfaction.  The shadow of guilt in his soul grew deeper, and the stain darker. He was well-educated, but had no knowledge of the True God.  He had money and status but was morally bankrupt and had no right standing with Holy God.  He was according to Ephesians 2:11 a man, “having no hope and without God in the world.”  Then he heard a little Jew preach about Christ, and a shaft of Gospel light pierced his heathen heart—joyfully the hope of heaven dawned in his soul as he received Christ. 

The Jewish missionary was the Apostle Paul and the man was a Gentile physician named Luke.  That same hope which transformed Luke’s life became his message and mission to share.  So, he writes two books, Luke and Acts.  In the first four verses, we have an introduction to his Gospel.  That same message of hope for the world is the one we proclaim.

 

THE HOPE OF THE COMING OF CHRIST: WHAT GOD WILL BE FOR US

“I will be his God and he shall be My son.” (Revelation 21:7) 

Our future hope is rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

If we have such a relationship GOD WILL BE OUR FATHER.  This is the promise of sonship (Rev.21:3,7).  The question may be asked, “Aren’t we already God’s children, when we trust in Jesus?”  Of course—but there is more to come!  Look at this:  “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”  (1 John 3:2)   It is the difference between a little child and an adult child coming into his inheritance.  At salvation, we are born into God’s family, and then in sanctification we grow to look like our Father, until in glorification we become heirs with our Elder Brother, Jesus (Heb.2:11)!

This relationship with Christ also means GOD WILL BE OUR COMFORT. This is the promise of solace.  “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev.21:4)    The key phrase is, “no more,” as in never again! 

·        No more tears.  Even Jesus wept.  But after His resurrection He asked Mary, “Why are you weeping?”   God will reach over and dry our eyes in that joyful place called Heaven!

·        No more tombstones.   Cemeteries are against zoning ordinances in heaven!

·        No more trials.  All sorrow and suffering will be forever over.

·        No temptation.  We won’t even have the capacity to sin.  Imagine, never grieving God again!

Furthermore our relationship with Christ means GOD WILL BE OUR FOUNTAIN.  This is the promise of satisfaction.  “And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.’” (Rev.21:6)  Jesus identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega—first and last letters of Greek alphabet—the A-Z and everything in between!  God will be our all in all—the satisfaction of the thirst of our soul!  Augustine noted, “Our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in you.”

Each of us will spend eternity somewhere.  If you are not going to abide in heaven, you will dwell in hell.  Here are surely the most grievous words of Scripture:

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.  And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.   The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.  Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Is your name written in the Book of Life?  If not, I beg you to trust in Jesus today!

 

THE HOPE OF THE COMING OF CHRIST: THE HEALTHY CONDITIONS

“Behold I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5a)

Our world is infested with infections and pervaded with plagues. 

No hospitals were constructed in Eden.  Sin has changed all that.  Adam and Eve were driven from Paradise and the tree of life was barred from them.  Health is no more the habitat of humanity.  But no more, is not nevermore—there is another change coming with the coming of Christ!  Christ will make everything new.

In heaven, the tree of life is restored.  “In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”  (Rev.22:2)

In the new creation, the curse of death is removed.  “And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.” (Rev.22:3). 

There will be freedom to serve Him without fleshly frailty and failure!  That means activity expressed and energy exerted in exciting and meaningful ways!  The future life is an extension of the best of this life.  Don’t miss that, or it may undermine your enthusiasm for heaven.  Many have heaven pictured as perpetually floating on a cloud as we strum a harp—and find the idea rather boring.  It would be to me!  But, heaven will be so much more than that.  It will be an adventure of the highest order.

One of the things we will do is reign with Christ!  There will be the universe to govern alongside Him.  “They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.” (Rev.22:4-5)   

It is work without weariness—always delightful and never drudgery.  You won’t end the day (the day won’t end) with sore muscles, blistered hands and a backache.  You’ll know the pleasure of cultivating a crop without pulling weeds.  The pollen won’t even stir up your allergies, for there will be nothing you are allergic to.  Heaven and health both begin with “h” and you can’t think of one without the other.

THE HOPE OF THE COMING OF CHRIST: THE HOLY CITY

Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:2)

This city is what we typically think of as, “heaven.”  The New Jerusalem is described in Revelation 21:10-22:5.  It is a place of breath-taking beauty.  The glory of God fills the place.  It is constructed of the most exquisite and extravagant materials.  It is vast in its size—a cube 1500 miles in each direction, where there is room enough for any who wish to go there. Residing inside its walls are all the saints of the ages—from those of the Old Covenant and New Covenant—Israel and the Church.  There are twelve gates—each fashioned from a single gigantic pearl.  The streets are paved with a transparent gold.  Best of all—at the heart of the city will be the throne of God!

I love that old Gospel song which conveys this image so well, “I Bowed On My Knees and Cried Holy”

I dreamed of a city called Glory,
So bright and so fair.
When I entered the gates I cried, "Holy"
The angels all met me there:
They carried me from mansion to mansion,
And oh the sights I saw,
But I said, "I want to see Jesus,
The One who died for all."

Chorus
Then I bowed on my knees and cried,
"Holy, Holy, Holy."
I clapped my hands and sang, "Glory,
Glory to the Son of God."
I bowed on my knees and cried,
"Holy, Holy, Holy."
Then I clapped my hands and sang, "Glory,
Glory to the Son of God."

As I entered the gates of that city,
My loved ones all knew me well.
They took me down the streets of Heaven;
Such scenes were too many to tell;
I saw Abraham, Jacob and Isaac 
Talked with Mark, and Timothy
But I said, "I want to see Jesus,
'Cause He's the One who died for me."

Chorus
Then I bowed on my knees and cried,
"Holy, Holy, Holy."
I clapped my hands and sang, "Glory,
Glory, Glory."
I clapped my hands and sang, "Glory"
I clapped my hands and sang, "Glory"
I clapped my hands and sang, "Glory"
"Glory to the Son of God"
I sang, "Glory to the Son of God." (Michael English)

I’m looking forward to spending some time conversing with Moses and having a discussion with the Apostle Paul.  It will be remarkable to sit down at a banquet table with Spurgeon and spend a few thousand years together.  Some of my heroes in ministry who have crossed over already—Adrian Rogers, Stephen Olford, W.A. Criswell and my preacher grandfather, Paul Thurman—will be available for as much time as we need to get caught up.  But, infinitely better will be the opportunity to see Jesus and fall at His nail-scarred feet in worship!  His presence is what makes Heaven to be Heaven.

I’ve been to the old city of Jerusalem—and it’s a fascinating place—to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there!  One of the things that captured my attention immediately was the presence of armed soldiers, strolling down the sidewalk, machine guns slung over their shoulders.  Terrorism is an ever-present threat there.  In the back-alleys there were the smells and squalor—and litter in the street—which you find in any metropolitan area.  Thank God, there is the promise of a New Jerusalem where none of this will ever mar the environment!

Those who know Christ will have a real place, prepared for them, where we will blissfully abide for eternity.  That’s our real home!

 

THE HOPE OF THE COMING OF CHRIST: THE HAPPY CREATION

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.  (Revelation 21:1)

Presently, the heavens we see above us and the earth we see around us is in a state of deterioration because of the curse, wearing out like an old piece of clothing (Heb.1:10-12).  In the end, God will regenerate them as He renovates all creation by fire (2 Pet.3:10-13). 

Perhaps you have seen a forest consumed by wildfire—all that remains are charred trunks and gray ash covering the ground, but then—come Spring—new growth begins to push out of the ashes and a forest is reborn.  In a far greater way, this old creation of groans will yield to a new creation of glory at the last and for eternity.

The aged Apostle John cheerfully exclaims that in the new creation, “there was no more sea.”  He didn’t mean there would be no water; in the heavenly city, there is a crystal clear river.  In the new earth, the world will no longer be ¾ covered by oceans as it is today.  I would suppose they will return to the conditions before the flood altered the land and seas—the greenhouse canopy of water vapor that encircled the planet which created a paradise on earth will be regenerated.  It could be that instead of vast oceans, there will be large lakes teeming with aquatic life according to God’s original design.

What’s the big deal?  John saw a sea of storms and separation and wanted it gone!  Sitting on that rocky island of desolation called Patmos where he was exiled for preaching the Gospel, the ocean was a dreadful barrier that kept him isolated from his brothers and sisters in Christ.  The salt waves were whipped into a frightful frenzy by stinging winds as lightning flashed across the dark skies and thunder boomed its terror over the breakers dashing on the shoreline.  With John we long for this,

There is coming a day,
When no heart aches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye,
All is peace forever more,
On that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be. (James Hill)

THE HOPE OF THE COMING OF CHRIST

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.  Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”  Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”  And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.  He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.  (Revelation 21:1-7)

Have you ever stood at the bedside of a loved one as they breathed their last? 

I have been to many homes, hospital rooms, and hospice units when death has delivered this brutal blow—and there is a grieving family.  But, in the midst of this, I am so thankful that I can share with them the words of Jesus,

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”  (John 14:1-3). 

And I close with this great promise of our Lord, “Because I live, you shall live also.”  (John 14:19b).

The resurrection of Jesus changes everything!  In His defeat of death, we have the hope of heaven.  This same Jesus who rose from the sepulcher after three days, and rose into the skies after forty days is returning from the stars some day—maybe this day! 

John tells us heaven is for real.  Before there were any books about heaven, there was the Bible.  Before there were any movies from Hollywood, there was a message from heaven.  We will look into Revelation 21-22 this week to explore the marvel of what John saw as the Spirit gave him a glimpse of the glory to come!  How exciting!

THE HOPE OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST: A Personal Connection

For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26)

We are commanded to take the bread and the cup in our hands and consume it—symbolically testifying that we have a personal connection with Jesus Christ and His church.  If we do not, then it is a sham—we have eaten a sliver of unleavened bread and downed a bit of grape juice—that’s it, and we have confessed a lie making us worse than we would have been had we refused it.

Today, on this Good Friday, there is opportunity to say,

King of my life, I crown Thee now,

                                    Thine shall the glory be;
                                    Lest I forget Thine thorn-crowned brow,
                                    Lead me to Calvary.
                                    Lest I forget Gethsemane;
                                    Lest I forget Thine agony;
                                    Lest I forget Thy love for me,
                                    Lead me to Calvary. (Jennie Evelyn Hussey)

Those who nailed Jesus to the cross crowned Him with thorns—will you reject Him as they did, or will you crown Him Lord of your life today?

Can you recall a past conversion—has there been a time that you received Jesus Christ by faith?  If not, this is the day to make that choice.

Perhaps you have received Him—praise God!  But what about this:

Is there anything between your soul and your Savior that would hinder communion with Him?  Are you in fellowship with your fellow believers?  The Lord’s Supper is meant to be a time of solemn self-examination and repentance that brings cleansing.

Are you living in light of eternity?  Are you thrilled with that hope of heaven, or are you too drawn by the things of the world?  Yes, the hope of the cross takes us beyond the suffering of this present time to the glory that shall be revealed.  C.S. Lewis said it this way, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

 

THE HOPE OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST: A Promised Consummation

For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26)

We are told to observe the Lord’s Supper until Christ returns.  As we look to the past and Christ’s death on the cross, and look about us in the present communion we share with the Savior and the saints, we must also look ahead and above for the King who will return—not crowned with thorns, but glory; not with spikes in His hands, but the scepter of universal dominion.  What a day that will be!

There is this dimension of the meal—that looks to the future and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.  That is when communion will be complete.  One of our church members, Harry Scruggs wrote a poem that speaks of this reality in a powerful way:

WHEN COMMUNION WITH HIM IS COMPLETE

            When you’ve dipped in the blood that was spilled in your stead

            And you’ve drunk from the cup and eaten the bread
            When your sacrifice of praises is laid at His feet
            Then communion with Him is complete.

            When the power of the Word scales the walls of your heart

            And breaks down the barriers that keep you apart
            When beams from the Son cause the shadows to flee
            Then communion with Him is complete.

            When you drink from the well and your thirst finds relief

            And trust in the Word changes doubt to belief
            When your hope and your faith overcome your defeat
            Then communion with Him is complete.

            When the cares of the world all have been laid aside

            And love for the Savior has diminished your pride
            When His will for your life of Him you entreat
            The communion with Him is complete.

            When the King of the Ages you’ve met face to face

            And knelt in His presence and His glory embraced
            When “To God Be the Glory” you forever repeat         
            The communion with Him is complete.

THE HOPE OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST: A Present Communion

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”  For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

Paul is taking us back to the Upper Room where Jesus shared a meal with His disciples.  Together they observed the Passover.  All that lamb of the Old Covenant symbolized was being fulfilled in the death of Christ, the Lamb of God, who would take those same elements and institute the New Covenant. 

We call this time together in our worship, “communion.”  As we meet here, we are in the Presence of Christ and have fellowship with Him, and we share this together as a church so that we have communion with each other.

It is thrilling to know that as we come to the Lord’s Table, there is present an honored Guest taking the seat at the head of the Table—Jesus Christ Himself!  He is unseen, yet very much there.  As we look around this Table, we see His family—a banqueting hall filled with royalty—princes and princesses seated about us in sweet company, breaking bread with one another!

BLOOD MOON

“The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.”  (Joel 2:31)

There are those who view the series of four “blood moons” which began on April 15, and climax on September 28, 2015 as signaling the end of the age.  These are lunar eclipses where the earth’s shadow causes the moon to take on a reddish hue.  They are rare, and much is being made that the first began on Passover, and the last happens on the beginning of the Feast of Tabernacles—and the linkage with these Jewish festivals has led some to declare there is prophetic significance for Israel.  The implication is that Israel is going to enter the culmination of her suffering, worldwide cataclysm will come, all paving the way for the Second Advent of Christ.

Perhaps…but, maybe not.

The problem with these lunar eclipses—unusual as they may be, even in their timing—is that these are natural phenomena.  The moon turning to blood as described in Joel and the Book of Revelation also involve darkness for the sun and the stars—the result of God’s wrath being poured out on the earth.

I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.  ‎And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.  Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.  And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!  For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”  (Rev.6:12-17)

The volcanic ash and clouds of dark smoke from fires, will fill the skies and blot out the sun and turn the moon red.  Asteroids and meteors will plummet from space and their impact on the earth will rock the world and send more dust into the air.  This is what makes that “blood moon” of the end times, which is certainly different than what we are witnessing now.

If I understand prophecy correctly—and certainly pray that I do—I am not planning on being around to see these things first hand.  I’m not looking for a moon to turn red, but for the Son to come back!

How close are we to the rapture of the church?  I’m expecting Jesus to come for His Bride at any moment.  I need to be prepared today, and not think I have until next year and the next lunar eclipse to get ready to meet the Lord.

I think we are very close—but I could be wrong.  We are to watch for Him to come today, but we are told that none know the date of Christ’s return (Matt.24:36).

The sensationalism and speculation do fulfill prophecy, however.  Like the book I read, “88 Reasons Christ Must Return in ‘88” or the sequels in which the author predicted the rapture in 1989, 1993 and 1994, and the late Harold Camping’s proclamation that Christ was coming in 2011, give a skeptical world more reason to ridicule the Christian faith.  If the “blood moon” predictions fall through, that is more fuel to the fire—which by the way Scripture does predict, “knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’ ”  (2 Pet.3:3-4).

There is a convergence of things happening in our world that seems to be speeding us toward the end.  Events in the Middle East, where the players in the final act are taking their place on the stage, should capture our attention.  Prophecies that seemed so incredible, now appear plausible with the advancement of technology we have witnessed in this generation.  If you asked me, “Do you expect Jesus to come in your lifetime?” I would answer, “Yes!”  If He wants to dispatch the Son during the “blood moon” of 2015, that’s a Sovereign God’s call.  He does what and when He wants to do so—He is God.

I am not.  God hasn’t given me a vote.  Christ might come tomorrow—or it could be a thousand years.  What God has done is give me an assignment.  The angels issued a promise and a mission for the disciples who watched Jesus ascend from the Mount of Olives—the very spot where He will one day set foot again—“who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’ ” (Acts 1:11).  You can be a star-gazer or a soul-winner!  The Lord wants us to warn people that He is coming back and Judgment Day is at hand, with a view of winning them to faith in Christ.

If you want to buy a book about “blood moons” you can.  The money might be better spent on giving to missions so that fewer are left unprepared for the end time.  But, don’t ever lose sight of the Blessed Hope of the return of Jesus Christ!  He is coming again!

Maranatha!  Come, Lord Jesus!

THE HOPE OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST: A Past Conversion

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”  For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

When we come to the Lord’s Table, and take the elements in our hands, we are directed to look back to the source of our hope.  Some 2,000 years ago a real Man hung on an actual cross and suffered a literal death and ushered in an eternal salvation!  Therefore, twice Paul records in this text these words that Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” 

We are to never forget what Jesus did for us on a hill called Calvary!  He made it possible for us to be reconciled to God.  Engrave Him on your heart!

As we personally receive Christ we are converted—from saints to sinners.  It is always good to remember where God has brought us from—or where without Him we might have been.  Some of us have been as I was, spending years manifesting the depravity of the heart—the fruit of sin within in full display by our actions.  So, as I look back I see I was rotten to the core, and how everything changed when He saved me!  Others were converted as children, and may have never exhibited the same sinful deeds to the same degree, and yet were just as evil in heart as the vilest sinner.  The fruit may not have developed, but the root contained all the latent wickedness that destines one for hell just as much as an obvious sinner.  But, in Christ, we are made new and changed from the inside out.

No wonder we all who have a past conversion can sing with enthusiasm and conviction:

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.” (John Newton)

THE HOPE OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”  For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

In the first century, when the Roman government sentenced someone to be crucified, it was a hopeless future for the condemned.  They would suffer a brutal agonizing death.

But isn’t it just like God to take a symbol of violence and turn it to victory—a cross that meant hopelessness transformed into a message of hope?  What made the difference is the Person who hung on that cross—not a criminal, but Christ.  With His sacrifice, God has lifted us from darkness into light, out of death into life and from despair to hope! 

The Lord’s Supper is meant to remind us of this truth.  It is to be done repeatedly to embed the image of the cross indelibly into our minds and hearts. 

Paul will describe this symbol of hope in three dimensions.  Our hope rests in a past conversion, a present communion and a promised consummation.  So, at the Lord’s Supper we look back, we look around and we look ahead.  The past dimension points to the historical fact of Christ dying for our sins and as we have received that transaction by faith our own historical fact of a conversion experience.  The present dimension moves us to share a communal meal with our Lord and His people, even as Jesus sat down and ate with His disciples in that upper room.  The prospective dimension reminds us that we are to come to the Lord’s Table “till He comes.”  He is coming and then the Lord’s Supper will be supplanted by the Lamb’s Supper—the marriage feast of Christ and His bride in heaven!

CROWNED WITH HOPE—HIS SUCCESSION : David’s Prominence and Elevation

Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and spoke, saying, “Indeed we are your bone and your flesh.  Also, in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the Lord said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel.’ ”  Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, fand King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord. And they anointed David king over Israel.  David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.  In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah. (2 Samuel 5:1-5)

David was crowned at last--the hope God established in his heart was fulfilled.  Saul, David's pursuer, would die in battle.  After a brief attempt by one of Saul’s sons to claim the throne, ultimately David would exchange the shepherd staff for a sovereign scepter.  He would reach God’s intended purpose for his life and he would reign for forty years.  The will of God cannot be overcome by the intent and acts of men or demons.

Does it seem sometimes like God has forgotten you?  Maybe you had this great dream and were convinced this was God's plan for your life--but you seem as far from it today as ever.  It feels like you are on a stationary bike--peddling as hard as you can, and going nowhere.  

Cling to this crowning hope: Jesus promises, “To Him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Rev.3:21)

CROWNED WITH HOPE—HIS SUBMISSION : David’s Preservation and Enduring

So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.  Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments.  So the women sang as they danced, and said: “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.”  Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?”  So Saul eyed David from that day forward.  ‎And it happened on the next day that the distressing spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. So David played music with his hand, as at other times; but there was a spear in Saul’s hand.  ‎And Saul cast the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” But David escaped his presence twice.  (1 Samuel 18:5-11)

This was the first attempt of Saul to kill David.  The second one soon followed.  This would be the opening act of a deadly drama where a jealous rage led to what seemed perpetual peril for God’s man. 

But the Lord preserved him, each dangerous step of the journey.  It was a long and winding road as David was chased by a madman for eight weary years! 

During that period, there were two occasions when David could have taken matters into his own hands.  He had opportunity to kill his foe, but he waited on the Lord.  There was a confident hope and tenacious faith that sustained him.  He learned as he hid in caves and behind rocks that the Lord was his Refuge and Strength.

His song could have been, “Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”   We can join in that refrain.  That same grace will sustain you.

My legs are buckling, my back is bowed, my feet are like lead—but by the help of God, I go forward to face this day.

Don’t give up!  It’s always too soon to quit.  There is a crowning hope that awaits those who press on. 

 

 

CROWNED WITH HOPE—HIS SERVICE: David’s Preparation and Equipping

One of the chief purposes that God has in making us wait is to teach us.  This is an essential time to prepare us for what God in His time will accomplish in and by us.  Something has to be done to us, before something can be done through us.

·        A SHEPHERD—Preparation for His Work.

And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.”  So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!”  Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:11-13)

David would shepherd God’s people someday and so there was no better way to equip him than to literally care for a flock.  Too often we are looking for the big opportunity rather than being faithful in the place God has us—not understanding that He is getting us ready for more.  The Biblical principle is that if we are faithful in little things, we can be entrusted with larger things.

·        A SINGER—Preparation for His Worship.

So Saul said to his servants, “Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.”  Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the LORD is with him.”  Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.”  And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat, and sent them by his son David to Saul.  So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armorbearer.  Then Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.”  And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him. (1 Samuel 16:17-23) 

David would not only someday lead Israel into war, he would lead them into worship!  How many Psalms would this man write!  The worship of God would be a keynote of his life—this man after God’s own heart.  To love God with all our being is priority.  Our intimacy with Him must precede being an instrument for Him.  Time spent in communion with God is never wasted—but to try to bear fruit apart from this connection with the True Vine is impossible!

·        A SOLDIER—Preparation for His Warfare.

Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.   So the Philistine came, and began drawing near to David, and the man who bore the shield went before him.  ‎And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking.  ‎So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.  ‎And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”   Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  ‎This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.  ‎Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.”   So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.   Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth.  ‎So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David.  ‎Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.  (1 Samuel 17:40-51) 

Old Goliath had defied the armies of God and mocked the Lord.  David wouldn’t let that go.  It has been said, it is not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog!  Boot camp is never a fun part of a soldier’s preparation, but it is indispensable.  If a warrior isn’t disciplined there then the odds of returning safely and successfully from the battlefield are slim.  After time spent as Saul’s armor-bearer and then a young champion downing Goliath, David was ready to lead the troops himself.  God may have you in basic training!  That’s tough—but it will toughen you up, and you’ll need that for where God is sending you is into a world that isn’t a playground, but a battleground!