FINDING HOPE
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6, ESV
Theme: In a world of shifting truths and values, Jesus declares He is the only Truth and the way to God is only through Him.
REFLECT THE HOPE OF JESUS
In the movie “Jesus Revolution”, we see a generation desperate for meaning, identity, and belonging, in a world littered with conflict and confusion. The characters are seeking truth to fill their void. They not only wonder what the truth is, but they question if it even exists and whether it’s worthy of their hope.
Society offered them countless substitutes for peace and hope. Much like today, they were bombarded with worldly messages purporting to satisfy their emptiness. Yet, those temporary things…desires of the flesh…only led to greater uncertainty and confusion. Amid that hopelessness, God moved! The church welcomed the previously unwelcomed and preached a simple message: “Jesus loves you and can change your life.” Thousands of people heard the Good News, found the only true Hope, and gave their lives to Christ.
MY WAY
Interestingly, the Burger King slogan, “Have it your way” was introduced in 1974. Even then, the world was catering to our incessant need to get what we want, when and how we want it. Still today, we want an ‘a la carte menu in every area of our lives, where we can pick and choose the things we like, ignoring those we don’t, as it suits our needs.
The world tries to tell us we can treat God’s Word and the Bible similarly…choosing the parts we like (often those that require no change, sacrifice or submission), and ignoring the others. A believer can sometimes find it difficult to articulate the message that there is only one Way to salvation and that Way is Jesus Christ. This is so completely contradictory to ongoing cultural messaging that people can do, say, and be anything they want and still “go to heaven.” Make no mistake: the message of salvation is for ALL people. But it is simple and very clear: Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the only One who can give you eternal life. As followers of Christ, we are called to love one another unconditionally. All are to be invited and welcomed, even if they do not all choose to believe.
Make It Personal: The hope offered by Jesus is different than what the world offers. It is eternal, unshakable, and deeply personal. The same Jesus who transformed lives in the 1960s and 70s is the One who meets us today, with open arms, ready to trade our despair for His hope. Studying the Bible and going to God in prayer allows us to know and reflect God so that others can distinguish the Truth from a lie.
Pray: Lord, thank You for the hope that never fades--the hope we have in You. Just as You brought revival and healing to a broken generation then, we ask that You do the same in our hearts and our world today. Anchor us in Your promises and give us the courage to be bold in carrying Your message of hope. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Hebrews 6:19; Romans 15:13; 1 Peter 1:3, John 14:16
Weekly Memory Verse: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11, ESV