DECEMBER 8 A PRESENT JOY AND HOPE By Jonathan Lough Assistant Professor of Theology and Apologetics, Word of Life Bible Institute, New York
Today’s Passage: Luke 1:31–33
Most of the best things in life come to an end. Summer break ends. A good movie ends. Even theology class comes to a close (so sad). From our perspective, it seems like nearly everything good eventually ends. But is that always the case? Long ago, God promised something good and never-ending: a descendant of David whose kingdom would last forever (2 Samuel 7:13). This descendant would reign with perfect justice and righteousness for all eternity (Isaiah 9:7). Finally, something good that lasts forever! But it was just a promise – would God keep it? For years, Israel waited for that descendant of David, holding tightly to God’s faithfulness. Then, in His perfect timing, God sent the promised King in the Person of Jesus Christ. Before His birth, an angel told His mother, Mary, that Jesus “will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31–33). At these words, we should all be filled with joy and hope, thinking, “He’s the One God promised! The King has come!” But do we truly feel that joy and hope? Often, I find myself succumbing to the sorrows of life, sinking into despair. In those moments, I forget the promise and the Person who should give me present joy and hope. Jesus will come again, establish His kingdom, and reign in perfect justice and righteousness forever. For the Christian, this means that every bad thing, including death itself, will one day end and every good thing will last forever (1 Corinthians 15:24–28). On that day, all sorrow and despair will finally fade away (Revelation 21:4). As we reflect on Jesus’ birth this Christmas season, I pray we also look forward to His coming eternal kingdom, which infuses our everyday lives with joy and hope.
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker