Hope

The lesson from 2 Corinthians begins “Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness…” (2 Cor. 3:12, click here for the full passage)  What hope can lead to great boldness?

We need remember that Biblical “hope” is not just wishful thinking:  “I hope it doesn’t rain today.”  Or naive optimism:  “I hope this test isn’t too hard.”  Biblical hope is the settled confidence in what God has promised.  It is faith made specific and measurable.  “My hope is in Christ” is not just a vague optimism that Jesus can do it, but an unshakable trust that in Christ God will work His purposes out.

It is that kind of hope that leads to bold action.  The Church, broadly speaking, has often been guilty of timidity and individual believers have been cowed into silence or acquiescence because we do not possess this hope that Paul speaks of.

Looking back at what Paul wrote before, he is talking about our salvation in Christ and the ministry of life of the Holy Spirit.  Do you want to have the kind of hope that lead Paul, and so many others, to act boldly in faith?  It comes from our confidence in Christ, and that comes through the Word.

So, if you would like the boldness of Paul and the early Christians, it comes through faith which we learn in the Word and grow in action.  Boldness doesn’t come overnight.  Like muscles, it is built over time by consistently pushing the limits.

Be bold!  Even if you have to start small!

This column appeared in the March 3, 2019 issue of St. John’s eNews. Click here for the complete issue.

If you are reading this at a different time, you may click here for the current eNews.