FRIDAY, JULY 6
“my flesh also will dwell in hope”
Acts 2:26 ESV
DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE: HOPE
A passenger on an ocean liner was enduring a rough Atlantic crossing. As he leaned over the rail, his face a shade of green, a steward came along and tried to encourage him: “Don’t be discouraged, sir! No one’s ever died of seasickness!” The nauseous passenger looked up at the steward with horror and said, “Don’t say that! It’s only the hope of dying that’s kept me alive this long!”
In Acts 2, King David had the hope of escaping from his enemies. But more importantly he had the hope of eternity in heaven with God. The Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”
We should not be in a hurry to die. At the same time, death is a promotion for Christians. When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, he told them, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” What does it mean “to live is Christ?” What would need to change about your life, for you to say “for me to live is Christ?” How should the “hope” of heaven affect my choices and attitude today?
