Jesus is Hope

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3, NIV).

Jesus is Hope. That was the title of a recent small group study in which I was blessed to be a participant. Jesus, indeed, is hope – living hope that springs forth within our beings and sparks joy in our lives.

As I’ve continued to ponder the great discussion that took place in that group, God has stirred my spirit about the hope Jesus provides. In this further contemplation, I have realized a sad truth; to most of the world, the name of Jesus often evokes hatred rather than hope. I want us to conclude, and clearly see that Jesus is hope not hate. Allow me to elaborate upon this thought.

Jesus. Say it -it’s a little name, and a small word. Say this little name in public, however, in a way other than an obscenity, and stand back and watch the fireworks. This little name is like a tiny detonator that triggers a nuclear warhead. You can say "God," and you’ll seldom hear a squeak. You can say "Our Father in Heaven," and few will flinch. You can say "Spirit," and many people will nod in approval.  You can say "Allah" and you will be deemed tolerant. But, say "Jesus" and just wait for the sonic boom. Articles will appear in the paper. Reprimands will be posted from the home office. Suits will be threatened by the civil liberties block.

As a result, many refuse to say “Jesus” in a personal way. Even religious pundits have suggested we refrain from saying “Jesus” in public. Jesus is divisive, and now is a time for unity. Jesus is an extremist, and that must mean right wing. Jesus is exclusive, so His name amounts to hate speech. Keep His name to yourself. Cloister it in your church. Lock it in your prayer closet. Close it between the covers of your Bible. But for God’s sake, don’t voice it in the public square! It’s immodest. It’s immoral. It’s unloving. Isn’t that a sad commentary? Yet many Christians are guilty of shying away from speaking the name of Jesus publicly.

I want to remind you today that unity is not possible outside of Jesus; Jesus didn’t come to bring political popularity, and in fact He said He would divide; Jesus is inclusive, as He desires to bring all people to Him, yet He is exclusive because He is the only way; and Jesus is the answer because He is hope! Jesus is God. Jesus alone brings salvation. All other so called “gods” are nothing.

So I want to encourage you to speak His name aloud. Shout it from the mountain. Whisper it in the dark. Write it in the sky. Keep the name of Jesus on your lips. That’s not hate, it is hope.

Pray with Me:

God, I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ! In Him I live, move, and have my very being. Through His accomplished work I have hope. Forgive me for my failure to speak His name. He is my best friend and I commit to talking about Him openly. Help me proclaim the name of Jesus today, because it is the only name that offers salvation, comfort, joy, peace, and hope. Amen.