Our Only Hope - Jesus (Part 1)

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5 ESV).

 

This week has been packed with both joys and sorrows. Earlier I attended the funeral of a young man (51 years old) that I have known since his early teens. It was a wonderful celebration of life but still filled with sorrow for his family and friends. Mid-week was filled with ministry to people with various challenges in their lives. During the weekend, I officiated the wedding of a young couple whose lives I have been involved in. It was a very delightful joy to be a part of this new adventure for them. However, in the midst of this joy is the anxiety of the future. These things reminded me of the ever-present potential of change, both good and bad in our world.

 

In fact, it is not a stretch for us to say our world today is filled with turmoil. But not only our world, but our personal lives are also full of stress, sorrow, and grief. Sometimes we wonder how we can make it through the day. The Bible has much to say about suffering and grief. Its pages often encourage us to “Fear not” when we become terrified and to “Take refuge in the Lord” when overcome with sorrow. Many people have found comfort in the opening words of an old confession, the Heidelberg Catechism. This confession was first used in 1563 as a teaching tool in churches in Germany, but soon other churches and believers found comfort in its teachings as well. The confession begins by asking this question:

What is your only comfort in life and in death? The answer affirms: That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

 

I am aware that the topic of suffering fills the minds of many—even the most faithful of believers. So, today I will begin a little series of devotions entitled “Our Only Hope – Jesus.” It is my prayer that these readings will encourage you in your struggles and provide hope, comfort, and a way to live in and through the hard times of sorrow and grief. I encourage you to commit yourself to the truth that Jesus is indeed the One who is our Light in the darkness that can never be overcome!