I’m studying the book of Hebrews and using George Guthrie’s NIV Application Commentary as an aide. In wrapping up the encouraging section of Hebrews 6:13-20 on God’s promise to Abraham and to us “who have fled for refuge…” we are told, “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul…” (Heb 6:19)
Hope. Christians are the only people on earth who actually have hope. Paul picks up on this same idea in his famous explanation and defense of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:19
“If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
In commenting on the hope we have from the pages of Hebrews, Guthrie writes “We must not confuse true Christian hope with what the world often callss “hope.” He then says this –
“True hope, moreover, produces purity (1 John 3:3), patience (Rom 8:25), fulfillment (Rom 5:4-5), joy (Rom 12:12), and stability (Col 1:23).”
Picking up on these things, it follows then….
If I am not vigilent in my self-purification, where is my hope? If I am an impatient person, easily irritable and annoyed with circumstances or others, am I hoping in Christ? If I have no fulfillment and am instead tossed about by a myriad of things that distract and disappoint, is my hope biblical? If I do not have a deep-seated joy and contentment, in what am I hoping? If I am unstable, bounced around easily by life’s ups and downs, it means I need a hope check on my heart. What am I aimed at? What are my eyes set on? What is my heart set on?
Our hope is not a wishful thinking kind of “Hope our team can pull it off this year in the finals or world series”! Our hope is absolutely sure. God has promised what He will do for His children, those who are trusting Him. We can put our all of our eggs in this basket. He will not disappoint. If your life is choatic, maybe you need a heart check, a hope check.
All Thyngs 