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Sure and certain are standards for biblical 'hope'

Subhead
Built on a Rock
By
Rev. Andrew Palmquist, Bethany Lutheran Church, Luverne

“I hope I can find a job after I graduate.” “I hope I meet the right person and get married one day.” “I hope my new college or university is a good fit.” “I hope my team wins the championship.” “I hope I get to go to heaven.”
When we use the word “hope,” there is often a lot of uncertainty attached to it. Sometimes we use the word “hope” as if it’s a wish or a dream, sometimes even an impossibility. “I hope.”
However, when the Bible uses the word “hope,” it uses it in a very different way. “Hope” in the Bible is sure and certain. It is sure and certain because it is based on an event that has already happened.
The Apostle Peter explains, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, into an inheritance that is undying, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3-4)
“Hope” in this sense is not uncertain because Christ is truly risen. Because of Jesus’ perfect life for you, his innocent death on the cross for you, and his glorious bodily resurrection for you, we now have a sure and certain hope in Him.
So, of what does Jesus’ resurrection make us certain? Peter points to our life in heaven. We should not look at life in heaven as some sort of “wish.” Our eternal life in heaven is a real certainty.  Our Savior has won heaven for you and me!
This is a certainty not because of how we have lived or anything we have done, but because God sent His Son to perfectly accomplish our salvation. Jesus has earned it all. And He sends the Holy Spirit, as we celebrate at Pentecost, to create living faith in our hearts through Baptism and His powerful Word.
The blessings of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection are made ours personally through the Word and Sacraments.
This means the “hope” of heaven is yours. You and I can rejoice and be confident in the sure, certain hope that is ours from our living, victorious Savior!
And that same Lord Jesus is with you throughout your life. He loves you, and is taking care of you!
May our gracious God richly bless our graduates!
 
Adapted from:  Good News for You! 2020 Peace Devotions

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