Hope on Jesus...
Romans 15:12… And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.”
This is what Isaiah said…“On that day, the root of Jesse will be lifted up as a miracle-sign to rally the people. Gentiles will diligently seek him, and his resting place will be glorious!” (Isaiah 11:10)
It is hard to imagine or believe in this day and age that hope can be found in one person. I was raised to respect people but be cautious of their motives and actions. I was raised to love all types of people whether I agreed with them or not but to understand that people will let you down and disappoint you. I was raised to put my hope and trust in the people who I called friends, family and church family but was taught to rely on myself and forge my own path.
When I chose to become a follower of Jesus, I began a journey of faith to live by a different set of values and beliefs; to center my life around a different moral code and an inerrant truth that could only be discovered and found in God’s Word, the Bible. I began a quest to put my trust and hope in a person who was human but also divine; a person that came in the flesh to teach us all to love and be human in a new way and yet was perfect and holy. God had come in human form into the world in the person of Jesus to be the hope that we now so desperately crave and need, especially in these difficult and uncertain times. The world needs hope right now; I am certain you are looking for hope as well!
“And the fame of his name will birth hope among the people.” (Matthew 12:21) Jesus… Just his name alone, can produce hope in the hearts of anyone who will utter His name.
Through the prophet Isaiah, God speaks and says this about Jesus… “Take a good look at my servant! I love him dearly, for he is my chosen one. I have taken hold of him in my strength, and I have clothed him with my Spirit. He will cause justice to spring up for the nations. He will be gentle and will not quarrel with others in public. He will not exalt his own voice. He would never crush a broken heart nor disregard the weak and vulnerable. He will make sure justice comes to those who are wronged.” (Isaiah 42:1-3)
Can hope really be found in Jesus? Can truth that is reliable and constant really be found in the Bible? Can Jesus change our lives and make us healthy and whole? Can Jesus really bring justice for all people who are struggling, those who are being exploited, those who are suffering or those who face persecution everyday?
I believe Jesus can because I have seen Him do it in my own life and in the lives of others. I have witnessed people put their hope in Jesus and watched in amazement as their lives changed from darkness in to light. Today, Jesus can be your hope… Jesus can be your light… Jesus can be your guide… Jesus can be the one who fights for you. Jesus can conquer your fear and give you the faith you need to carry on!