Hope in the midst of the Headlines

God's love for humanity has been challenged and seemingly exhausted at times, but His plan climaxed in the fullness of time (Galatians 4:4-5) through the coming of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God and Savior of the World (1 John 4:14-15). Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of God was ushered in and the recreation of all things commenced. The climax of God's response to evil is found in the scandal of particularity when God came in human form to take on the sins of all of humanity (Colossians 1:19-22). Jesus took the punishment of all humanity's sins so that there may be a new creation and a new covenant where we may experience forgiveness, freedom, and hope.

Evil was defeated through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary and though there is still evil today it will be finally done away with in the completion of all things when Jesus comes back to bring the final justice (Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:1). In these end times, we live in the shadow of the cross and in the light of the resurrection. My response to pain and suffering is rooted in the revealed history of the triune God who has given us the Holy Spirit as our Paraclete to lead us into a fuller understanding of how we can participate in His purposes to restore the creation and be reconciled to our Creator. My response to pain and suffering is the compassionate and enduring promise of God's infinite love and faithful presence as fully revealed in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God promises to be with us who suffer; "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). As Jesus Christ promised, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b).

So, in the midst of all that seems utterly disappointing and overwhelming in your life and in the news hang in there because there is reason for hope! Jesus Christ is our HOPE!