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“Five Pictures of Hope”
Five Pictures of Hope
Wade Webster
The Bible gives us five powerful pictures of hope. Let’s quickly examine each of them.
Hope Is A Light Against The Darkness Of LIfe
Life can be dark. Paul spoke of a time when he had not seen “sun nor stars in many days” (Acts 27:20). Perhaps, you have been through one of these dark patches in life also. Although we as Christians face the dark problems of life, we have been provided with a light to help us to see through them. You might say that God has left a light on for us. In the book of First Kings we find the following statement, "Nevertheless for David's sake did the Lord His God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem (1 Kings 15:4; cf. Lev. 24:2-4; 1 Sam. 3:2-3; Psa. 132:17). In the context, we learn that times were dark in Israel. Wicked King Jereboam was on the throne and God's people were engulfed in a dark cloud. However, for the sake of David, God left a lamp of hope on for them.
Hope Is A Nail Against The Pressures Of Life
Have you ever felt like everything in your life was coming apart? Probably, we will all admit that there were times when we don’t know if we can hold things together or not. The pressures of life can threaten to tear us apart. Although we as Christians sometimes face some of the same pressures that those around us face, hope serves as a nail to hold things in place for us. Ezra, the great priest and restorer, asked God simply for a "nail in His holy place" (Ezra 9:8). Asking for a nail doesn't seem like much does it? Yet, Ezra realized that all that he needed was a little reason to hope. This nail would serve as a reminder that the temple could be rebuilt and that the people could be restored.
Hope Is A Door Against The Temptations Of Life
Have you ever felt trapped by temptation or problems? Have you ever wished for a way of escape? Hope provides a way of escape. To the saints at Corinth, Paul wrote, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13). In like manner, through Hosea, God promised to provide His people with the valley of Achor, for a door of hope (Hos. 2:15; cf. 2 Kings 9:3, 10; 1 Cor. 10:13). In the midst of persecution and captivity, God's people must have felt like they were enclosed in a vault with no way out. To relieve these feelings, God provided them with a door to brighter days.
Hope Is A Helmet Against The Blows Of Life
Have you ever felt bloody and bruised from the blows of life? Although we as Christians suffer some of the same blows that others face, hope serves as a helmet to protect us. In addressing the Christians at Thessalonica, Paul told them to put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for an helmet, the hope of salvation (1 Thess. 5:8; cf. Eph. 6:10-17). No doubt, Paul knew how cruel life could be. More than once, he had felt life's blows (2 Cor. 11:23-25). Had it not been for the helmet of hope, he would not have made it.
Hope Is An Anchor Against The Storms Of Life
Have you ever felt as if the storms of life were going to blow you away? No doubt, most of us have experienced a few stormy days and nights. Although we as Christians are not immune to the high winds of life, we do have an anchor to help us ride out the storm. Paul spoke of hope as "an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast" (Heb. 6:19; cf. Col. 1:23). If you are familiar with the book of Hebrews, then you know that the Hebrew saints were being persecuted on every side. Paul wanted them to know that they could weather the storms of life with the anchor of hope (Psa. 16:8). He did not want them to be “tossed to and fro” and “carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:13-14). We know that he was speaking from experience because he had weathered a storm or two in this way (Acts 27:22-23, 29-30).
Are you living in hope (Tit. 1:2) or without hope (Eph. 2:12)? God wants you to know that there is hope for you. There's a light to help you see through the darkness of life, a nail to hold things together in the midst of the pressures of life, a door to help you escape from the temptations of life, a helmet to protect you from the blows of life, and an anchor to hold you through the storms of life. These things can be yours if you are willing to lay hold upon the hope set before you. Through God's grace, your obedience will let you face each day with the hope of eternal life (Tit. 2:11; Mat. 7:21). Hope is one of the key things that separates Christians from others (1 Thess. 4:13; 1 Pet. 3:15; 1 Cor. 15:55-58). Do you have this key difference? Do you have this sustaining power?
