At this time of advent, as we anticipate things to come, we would do well to first look back. Let’s journey to the first century. After all, the nation of Israel would often recount its history.
- They would tell of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- They would celebrate how the Lord used Moses to lead their ancestors out of captivity.
- They’d recount the triumphs of Joshua and exploits of David.
- They marveled at God’s power on Mount Carmel.
These and so many more.
Every generation had its hero. Every generation had a story of God’s deliverance. But not this generation, nor the one before, nor the one before that. It had been a long, long time, nearly 400 years, since there’d been a “word from the Lord.” But just when the world seems it’s darkest, that’s when the Lord breaks through. A divine message, from a divine being, delivered to Zechariah, “There will be joy and delight for you. [Your son] will turn many to the Lord their God, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.” And there it is, hope, a belief that tomorrow is a better day.
Those of us who have Jesus, well, we have hope, for He has secured our tomorrow. However, at this time, as we light the candle of hope, we must recognize there are still billions without hope. No knowledge of Jesus. No promise of a better tomorrow. May we do all we can to carry the message of Jesus to a lost and dying world, to spread true and lasting hope.
Ragamuffin Warrior 