Nothing lasts forever. Let me rephrase that: nothing this world produces lasts forever. Why? Why can't kids stay kids forever, and puppies stay puppies forever, and why can't it be Christmas every day? Wouldn't that be awesome? If we're honest with ourselves, it wouldn't be. So why do we put our hopes in things that make us feel good for a short time? Simply put, the creation becomes the thing we look to rather than the One who created it all. We place our hope in future events, and look back wistfully at such things: weddings (one day with both a lifetime and eternal promise, but often the day is the focus), births (A lifetime of promise, but not much thought about as children grow), Holidays (maybe we'll all get along this year like we did when we were young), and other events. These are things that promise hope, and even for a time give enjoyment, but without proper perspective, they can be disappointing. There is only one source of hope that springs eternal, and that source is Jesus Christ. Why? Because He is everlasting. There is no change or variation within Him, He does not grow feint or weary, and He stands firm at the Right Hand of the Father until the day of His return. Some day, we are promised in the word, we shall be with Him forever. what we leave behind, the good things we receive as gifts from the Creator within His creation, are nothing compared to what we go to: the gift of the Creator Himself. This is why, especially as The Day ever draws near, we must make our relationships, our jobs, every thought, breath and action about Him. When our hope is placed in this world, it will die like everything in this world (because we broke it); when our eyes are fixed on Jesus, our Hope will never die. Romans 15:8-13 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.”
And again it is said,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”
And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.”
And again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
