Christ our Hope

Every time we speak, text, or write, God's people have the opportunity to edify one another in the faith of Jesus Christ who is our Hope.  I started reading 1 Timothy this morning and was reminded of Paul's exhortations to Timothy to faithfully teach the doctrines of Jesus Christ our LORD, "...nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith." (1 Timothy 1:4)  As long as people have been around there has never been a shortage of political intrigue, controversies, and conspiracies which cause disputes, often preying upon fear and ignorance.  Fueled by doubt and speculation, the fear and praise of God can be overshadowed with endless disputes which profit nothing.

The praise, worship, and glory of God however is timeless in beauty, truth, and relevance.  The youngest son of Jesse named David who God brought from the sheepfold to be a ruler over all the tribes of Israel had plenty to occupy his mind:  the death of his best friend Jonathan, enemies without, intrigue within, rape and murderous plots within his own family, the aggressive and violent sons of Zeruiah, and constant adversity.  Prone to being downcast and overwhelmed, David remembered the LORD and looked to Him with songs of praise.  He acknowledged the greatness of God and considered His mighty works and thus was brought through dark seasons with steadfast joy and peace.  Because God was his hope--not his rights, ability to win a debate, or political clout--he was enabled to rest with the Good Shepherd in pastures of green beside still waters as a rule rather than an exception.

What does it profit to protest against government when we know and are known by the KING OF KINGS?  How are believers edified by promoting controversies which cause disputes instead of directing our perspective towards the Most High in worship and praise?  I exhort all God's people to fix their eyes no matter what happens today in faith in God and His Word.  Life is not hopeless when Christ is our Hope.  Consider the song of David recorded in Psalm 145, a glorious proclamation of our great God and Saviour!

Psalm 145

1 I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever. 

2 Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. 

3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. 

4 One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. 

5 I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. 

6 Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. 

7 They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness. 

8 The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. 

9 The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. 

10 All Your works shall praise You, O LORD, and Your saints shall bless You. 

11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your power, 

12 To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom. 

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations. 

14 The LORD upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. 

15 The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. 

16 You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. 

17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. 

18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. 

19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. 

20 The LORD preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy. 

21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD, and all flesh shall bless His holy name forever and ever.