Life is filled with challenges. Imperfection. Turbulence. Sometimes things can seem suffocating. This provides a contrast to hope. Hope is the opposite. It sees the horizon and what is most surely coming.
“For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.” – Romans 8:24,25
For a follower of Jesus there is hope because we have been forgiven our sins. This allows us to live with a clear conscience. Death has been conquered. This masters the reality of fear, and allows us to live in peace. Not only am I forgiven, but I am free to hope in a better country.
“But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.” – Hebrews 11:16
Jesus not only gives us the ultimate promise – He IS the ultimate promise. He is preparing a place for us within the new city of God. This will be better than anything ever imagined by any human being. And the cost? Only the blood of God’s dear Son Jesus. The ultimate gift brings the ultimate promise!