Scripture
13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Reflection
Stephen Wellum sums up the ‘blessed hope’ so well in God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ. “The hope of glory is the fulfillment of God’s promise to restore us and all creation (see Romans 8:19–21 and 1 Peter 5:10). This hope is not a wishful thought, but the confident, expectant, joyful knowledge that we are being changed by God and will one day see Christ face to face, having been conformed to His image (Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2).” The ‘blessed hope’ also referred to as the ‘hope of glory’ is an essential element to the walk of a believer in Christ. I’ve written many times and will continue to say it; life is hard a lot of the times. In those difficult moments we need to hold onto this hope. It is with this mindset that we can begin to experience the joy of sanctification, the refining into His likeness. To not understand the all satisfying Christ-centered process of sanctification is turning the blessed hope into escapism.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer