“We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven.”
Colossians 1:4-5
In ordinary conversation, we use the word hope to refer to a desired outcome. For example, we might say, “I hope I get a letter in the mail today.” Or we speak of someone’s degree of confidence that a desired outcome will occur. “Tryouts went well for that young man. I know he’s hoping to make the team!” But the reference to hope at the opening of Paul’s letter to the Colossians shows an important third use of the word. Hope can refer to an objective reality that gives reason for expectation.
It’s also possible that hope can be something real but not seen. You could picture someone lost for days in the mountains, his provisions and energy used up, feeling hopeless because he had not yet heard the sounds of the rescue team, even though they were on the way!
There is real hope held out to us in the gospel. While we may lose sight of it, that doesn’t diminish the truth of it. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
It’s also possible that hope can be something real but not seen. You could picture someone lost for days in the mountains, his provisions and energy used up, feeling hopeless because he had not yet heard the sounds of the rescue team, even though they were on the way!
There is real hope held out to us in the gospel. While we may lose sight of it, that doesn’t diminish the truth of it. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
Scripture Focus
Colossians 1:3-6
Insight
Written by Tim McCracken, Regional Director for Metanoia Prison Ministries, San Joaquin Valley, CA, reminding many brothers in Christ of their hope in Jesus.
Bible In A Year
- Exodus 37-38
- Psalm 44
- Luke 8