A gospel preacher and an atheist were out walking together on a farm when the atheist pointed to a cow off in the distance. He turned to the preacher and said, “I have no more fear of death than does that cow.” To this, the preacher responded, “But do you have any more hope?”
Throughout the Bible, there is hope. In the Old Testament, the God of hope often moved His holy prophets to conclude their righteous denunciations of sin and the certain chastisement which evil doers receive with promises of hope. The future coming of the Messiah and His glorious kingdom could never be fully eclipsed by Israel and Judah’s darkest days.
In the New Testament, the God of hope gives one glorious hope to those who are called out of sin by the gospel (Ephesians 4:4). This one hope is both sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:19). Because it is securely anchored to God’s sovereign throne (Hebrews 6:20), all of life’s rain, floods, and winds cannot threaten it in any way.
It is this hope which Paul prays that the eyes of our understanding may be enlightened so that we may know it (Ephesians 1:16-18).
It is a fixation upon this hope which Peter declares ought to motivate you to gird up the loins of your mind and be sober, persisting in a life of obedience (1 Peter 1:13-14).
It is this hope which ought never be surrendered when perilous times come, and evil men grow worse and worse.
Meditate upon it. Probe its contents thoroughly. Ruminate upon its ramifications for earthly and immortal existence.
Know what the hope of your calling is.
