Holding on to Hope: Easter in Old Testament Poetry预览

Jesus reigns victorious—not just once, but eternally!

For generations, God's people clung to whispered promises of a coming Deliverer. Jesus fulfilled these ancient hopes, embracing both the glory and the suffering that awaited Him.

Today, we stand in the same story—rescued by Christ and awaiting His triumphant return. God's epic narrative continues unfolding, and we're not just spectators—we're participants.

As I describe in a poem:

“Jesus died,
descended,
defeated sin and death,
rose, ascended,
promised the Holy Spirit,
proclaimed His future return.
No,
there was no end then.” (Jen Weaver, “Unbroken” in A Beckoning to Wonder)

But it’s not just modern poetry that proclaims this reality. Ancient biblical poems do too.

It’s believed that Jesus’ human ancestor King David wrote about Him in the prophetic poem of Psalm 110.

David lived roughly a millennium before Jesus was born on earth, and God promised a future King to reign on David’s throne forever. Rich with kingdom imagery of lordship and authority, this poem begins with the Forever Priest being seated in a place of honor and power.

“The Lord says to my Lord:
'Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.'” (Psalm 110:1)

This verse is repeated throughout the New Testament:

• By Peter to affirm Jesus' exaltation to the right hand of God after His resurrection. (Acts 2:29-36)
• By the unknown author of Hebrews who calls Jesus the radiance of the glory of God. (Hebrews 1:1-5,13)
• By Jesus Himself, showing the Pharisees that not only is Christ a descendant of David, but He is also greater than David. (Matthew 22:41-46)

Christ’s work is fully completed and also, we wait to experience the fullness of its completion.

Biblical poetry encourages us in our waiting with vivid imagery of death "swallowed up forever" and intimate promises of our King who "will wipe away tears from all faces" (Isaiah 25:8a). Even the familiar refrain "I know that my Redeemer lives" comes from Job's ancient poetry.

Our Redeemer doesn't just live—He reigns, restores, and returns!

My prayer is that through this journey, you've encountered your Savior with fresh wonder. Because He faced rejection and endured crucifixion, because of His completion and resurrection, His ascension and your redemption, you too will see Him face to face. May you be joyously overwhelmed at the thought!

If these readings stirred your heart, I'd love to help you experience God's love more deeply. Click here for complimentary access to TWO of my favorite practical tools for holding on to hope: "Hope in Motion: Simple Steps for Tough Times" and my "Quick Start Guide: Encountering God Through Biblical Poetry."