The Day After: How Hope Changes Everything

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.   1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 ESV

Jesus died. His heart stopped beating, his lungs stopped breathing. They buried him in a tomb and there he stayed for three days. And yesterday we celebrated His resurrection. His amazing triumph over sin, death, and hell.

For those who do not believe in Jesus, this sounds crazy. And as a nurse I agree. People do not suddenly break out of the morgue or their tomb after three days. But Jesus was more than a man, He was God too. His victory over death gives us hope that we – who believe in Jesus’ offering and humble ourselves under His Lordship – do not have to fear death. Instead we look forward to an eternity with God.

The resurrection gives us hope that no situation is beyond hope.

We cannot lose because we know that God has great plans for us. This certainly doesn’t mean life will be roses and easy.

What it does mean is that God has a plan and purpose that we may never see or understand.

Death no longer stings. (I Cor. 15:55-57)

To live is to serve our risen Savior Jesus and to die is to be with Him in heaven. (Phil. 1:21)

And the resurrection whispers hope.

Hope of healing physically or in eternity.

Hope that broken things can be made beautiful.

Hope that relationships can be mended.

Hope that God knows best.

Hope that God does not waste tears or pain, but will bring about His perfect glory through it all.

So we hope in Christ alone. We hope in His perfect ways and trust His time because He is our resurrected Lord.