Sermons on faith and love are typically standard fare in the evangelical community. Strangely, the theme of hope is often accorded a somewhat lesser emphasis, despite apostolic stress upon faith, hope, and love as defining attributes of the spiritual life (I Cor. 13:13).
Perhaps we are missing something here. For in contrast to vernacular use of the term as denoting some desired, albeit not necessarily certain, situation or outcome, "hope" in its biblical sense relates to one's anticipation of that which is assured. This was most graphically demonstrated by our Lord who, "for the joy set before him endured the cross" (Heb. 12:2).
This has been much on our minds of late, particularly given the growing societal enthusiasm for anything deemed antithetical to Christian orthodoxy - two of the lastest manifestations being the gnostically oriented The DaVinci Code (due to appear in local movie theatres next month after having sold some 36 million copies in print), and the highly publicized gnostic "Gospel of Judas" of which a fourth century copy has been found and restored. The latter, interestingly, is being touted by many as giving insight into the "true" narrative of Christ and the early Church while, on somewhat a more lay level, The DaVinci Code, although a novel, is nonetheless being accepted by many as based on factual realities.
(For those unacquainted with Church history, gnosticism was a "secret" admixture of Christianity, Judaism, Eastern mysticism and pagan magic - purportedly passed on in secret by Christ to only select individuals. Although, by gnostic claim, the Disciples at large were outside the pale of such "knowledge" and its inner workings, Judas, as Jesus' favorite was included. Gnosticism nearly wrecked the Church in the second and third centuries.
Nor is present anti-Christian sentiment limited to endorsement of the gnostically oriented. Understandably, the relatively recent eagerness for Muslim religious acceptance (even in some public schools) has waned somewhat at present. In many instances, however, one can little avoid the conviction that motivational impetus was not all that different.
There is vital significance here for today's believer. Difficult days lie ahead. Despite the "easy escapism" of much popular teaching, Scripture portrays an end time testing and purifying of the Church, leading to a Bride of Christ "not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing... holy, and without blemish" (Eph. 5:27). It will not be easy. Many lacking in-depth commitment will not survive the coming spiritual crisis (Matt. 24:12).
For the validly dedicated, however, there is hope - an inspired assurance that notwithstanding the growing darkness, God remains sovereign and will not fail us. In His time and purpose there will be a day of redemptive intervention. Herein lies the "blessed hope" of the believer (Titus 2:13) - a hope based on the fact that, "Because I live, you too shall live." It is indeed the Easter season, the season of hope.
"Now may the God of hope will you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 15:13).
Burl Ratzsch
