It is hope that motivates many who work for peace and justice, for the overthrow of tyranny and the establishment of good government.
What started as the Arab Spring over 2 years ago seemed to be full of hope, even if recent events in Egypt, Syria and Turkey have challenged simplistic views of observers.
Some may be wondering whether things can get better. Can paradise be regained?
The Bible is full of strong reasons why we can be people who live with hope. We can read of visions, set out in poetic language, of a new heaven and new earth. From the Old Testament, we read of nature being transformed.
'In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat.
The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all.
Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord.' (Isaiah 11.6, 9)In the final chapter in the Bible, we read of a glorious transformation. 'Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the centre of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.' (Revelation 22.1-2)This image tells us where true hope lies. The water is no ordinary water, as it comes from God himself, and it brings life, because Jesus has overcome death. The tree of life again refers to the cross of Jesus, which is the great victory of God over sin and decay. This tree is powerful in its relentless healing effect, and it is the very nations that are so sick which will find their healing from this source alone.As I look out on the world, with all its brokenness and sorrow, its wickedness and pain, I pray that the healing power of Jesus will be at work.What is your prayer?
Best wishes,Richard
The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all.
Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord.' (Isaiah 11.6, 9)In the final chapter in the Bible, we read of a glorious transformation. 'Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the centre of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.' (Revelation 22.1-2)This image tells us where true hope lies. The water is no ordinary water, as it comes from God himself, and it brings life, because Jesus has overcome death. The tree of life again refers to the cross of Jesus, which is the great victory of God over sin and decay. This tree is powerful in its relentless healing effect, and it is the very nations that are so sick which will find their healing from this source alone.As I look out on the world, with all its brokenness and sorrow, its wickedness and pain, I pray that the healing power of Jesus will be at work.What is your prayer?
Best wishes,Richard
No comments:
Post a Comment