Jesus Revives Hope In Disappointed PeopleSample

The assurance of a glorious future reality does not automatically alleviate ongoing pain in this life. In a dying marriage, the glory of heaven doesn’t numb the sadness. To the parent sitting in the waiting room of Pediatric Oncology, that bright future is barely visible. To the Christian battered by a series of small disasters, eternity with Jesus is a long way off, and the way forward is strewn with more trouble.

Jesus was familiar with long-term sadness. The prophet Isaiah writes of Jesus, “He was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” At the pinnacle of his obedience, Jesus was engulfed in agony, and His Father sent an angel to strengthen Him. 

In our despair and distress, God will supply all we need to hold fast to Him. We’ve observed it repeatedly. 

Simeon heard a promise. “You will see the Lord’s Christ.”

The demoniac of Gadara was commissioned. “Return home and tell what the Lord has done for you.”

Martha received a next-step instruction. “Believe, and you will see the glory of God.”

Mary was reminded of her all-powerful God and his provision. “Dear woman, here is a son who will care for you after I’m gone.”

God revived their hope in ways they never could have imagined. Each word of warning, confirmation, and instruction was a means to solidify their hope of His promised future. He will do the same for us. Our hope is a confident expectation—"an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

“In this world you will have trouble,” Jesus said. The stories we’ve examined are proof. Simeon waited decades. The demoniac of Gadara had a lifetime of scars as a testimony to his rescue. Sisters endured the agonizing decline of their brother. As Mary witnessed the murder of her blameless son, her soul was pierced. God’s chosen people are not spared the battering waves of uncertainty and trouble.

But for those who’ve placed their hope in Christ, discouragement and confusion are not indicators that the mooring has come loose. Regardless of how we feel, or how well we understand our circumstances, we are bound to a fixed hope.

Christ Jesus is our remarkable hope. He may shock and surprise, but He does not ultimately disappoint.

RESPOND: Make a list of the myriad ways Jesus revived hope for disappointed people in the gospels. Then ask Him to open your eyes to see His remarkable work in your life.