Devotion:
Read Romans 5:3-4.
During this Advent season we might ask others, “What are you hoping for, for Christmas?”
Prepositions which surround the word “hope” can make all the difference. If we say “we hope for”, it indicates an expectation for the future. But if we say, “we hope in” something or someone, we are speaking of the present time and looking toward an on-going future.
I believe Paul is speaking of this second type of hope in these verses. Paul’s hope is IN God and IN who God is. This hope is IN the relationship of God’s great love unto us, and IN the gift of Christ, which makes possible our love unto God. In verse 8 Paul writes, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Paul often writes in reverse order, so with verse 8 in mind, re-read verses 2b-5. Therefore, “we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Our hope is not “for something” but it is the hope which springs forth out of the love which God has already poured into us. From the point we have received God’s love, we are forever changed. We live with an expectancy grounded IN who God is and God’s love for us IN the gift of Christ. Even in our struggles, we can have hope because of God’s love.
I am continually inspired by individuals and groups of people who have suffered much, persevered, and remained full of hope in God’s love for them and their love for God. Whose hope during the midst of suffering has inspired you?
Personal Worship Option:
Reflect on this hymn by Edward Mote, 1797-1874, London England.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus' name
When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh, may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless to stand before the throne
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand
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