When you have lost all hope...

​We live in a world where so many people have lost all hope. For some it is because their family has or is falling apart. When someone has one expectation of what family is or should be and then another family member sabotages that expectation then family members lose hope. Expectations of economic security are dashed when a good job is lost and there seems to be no hope of replacing it. While jobs may be plentiful at this time it doesn’t mean that they will be what we might have expected. Hope is lost when sudden or even chronic illness affects a family and changes everything. In a moment an accident or serious illness can take away the hope that was there. Perhaps the greatest loss of hope occurs when we lose someone that we love. This loss could be by either death or separation.
The disciples of Jesus must have felt that all hope was lost when the One that they loved and followed was suddenly taken away. The story is told in the gospel of Luke the 24th chapter. Two of Jesus’ disciples were walking and talking on the road to Emmaus. They were recalling the events of the week on this seven-mile walk. Suddenly Jesus was walking with them but for some reason, known only to God, they were kept from knowing HIM. Jesus asked the question, “What are you talking about?” They were surprised this stranger didn’t know what had happened and explained how Jesus had been arrested, tried and crucified. They told him that Jesus was a prophet, powerful in word and deed. Then they said this powerful and insightful sentence, “We had hoped that HE was the ONE to redeem Israel, and now it is the third day since HE died.” When Jesus died, they lost all hope. Stay tuned for the rest of the story.
What has caused you to lose all hope? Has it been the loss of a job, a serious life-threatening illness, someone very near and dear to you dying, a family member who is estranged? Let me encourage you to look to the ONE that can heal your hurts and relationships. Jesus Christ is the only one that we can turn to that will never let us down. Come to Jesus by faith and depend upon HIM. First, we must depend upon Jesus for our eternal life. Jesus said it like this… “I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10b and then in John 6:47 He said, “I tell you the truth, he who believes in me has everlasting life.” You can be sure that your sins are forgiven and that you have a place in heaven one you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ who is the One who made the complete payment for your sin.
Back to the story of the two followers of Jesus on the road to Emmaus. When one of the Disciples, Cleopas told Jesus what had happened he replied, “How foolish you are, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter into His glory? Then he went with them into the village and broke bread with them. When Jesus took the bread and broke it, giving thanks that is when they finally recognized HIM. Their response was that they did believe in the risen Christ after all.
What will it take for you to believe in the risen Christ this Easter? Maybe you used to believe but you have wandered far away from God. Thankfully God allows U-Turns, in fact HE promotes them. Perhaps you have never understood that eternal life is yours for the asking, all you can do is come to Jesus Christ by faith. The Bible clearly says, “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”