Foundation for Hope
Luke 16:19-23
What is your hope based on? Is it based upon the fact that God will get you through? Is it based upon the fact that God will never allow you to be temped above what you can handle? Is it based upon the fact that God will supply for our needs and give us strength for the day? All of these are true but should not be the bases of our hope.
If we only hope in the now and present we loose perspective. We forget what the big picture is all about and begin to place value upon earthly things. The Church has become predominately more materialistic due to a lack of hope for the future. We forget that we are not living for today but should be laying up treasures in Heaven.
We also are lulled to sleep. Our excitement for the things of God diminishes and sin does not upset us as it used too. When was the last time you were thrilled to witness to someone and allow God to work on his or her hearts? When was the last time you were excited about going to church and worshipping our Lord and Savior? Remember, church is for God not us so I do not care if you think it is boring or not. The question is whether God was glorified and happy with our services or not.
Then, we are robbed of our happiness and pleasure by the great deceiver. God has given us happiness and pleasure on earth as a foretaste of heaven and as an avenue to enjoy God. However, we miss this when pleasures do not satisfy because our hope is weak. The pleasures of the day should point us to our Maker. He knows us and knows what we like. He has given us desires and the ability to take pleasure in earthly things; however, we abuse these things because of a false hope. We strive for more and more because earthly things cannot satisfy. Once again, they are to point us to our Maker and give us a small taste of Heaven and should be enjoyed as such.
To regain proper hope and wake up we must be people of the Word, Romans 12:1, 2. We must also set our minds on heaven and meditate thereon, Colossians 3:2. Then, we must be active in corporate exercises. We must change our mindset, look to the end, and run the race for the finish not the cups of water along the way.