Welcome to Naznet's Advent and Christmas Celebration
Week 1: Hope
Monday November 29, 1999
Ruthie Richards
Where Is Your Hope?
Hi, my name is Ruth, you may remember me. Last year I related to you the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. And how He loved those around Him.
This year I'd like to share with you my observations from a different angle. God had promised His chosen people a king and ruler many generations ago.
Ever since that time my people have desired with expectation of fulfillment the day when our Messiah would appear.
A large majority of my people were still fervently hoping years after Jesus ascended into heaven. You see they rejected Jesus as Messiah.
His disciples were all together different to watch. These people had accepted Jesus not as our Messiah, but also so as some sort of personal savior.
These men, these disciples of Jesus, they have seen the fulfillment of their heart's desire. The fulfillment of their deepest hope.
One hope has since been replaced by another hope. This new hope was born when Jesus ascended into heaven. The new hope is to spend eternity breaking bread with Jesus.
The disciples are so filled with the vision of this new hope, that they are doing their best to bring as many people with them as possible. The intensity and fervor, you just have to see it to believe it.
It's Ruth number two back again this year. WOW!! What a year it has been. I've seen so much and learned so much. It's hard to know where to begin.
I guess the best place to start is where we left off. If I remember correctly, I believe that was my telling you just how much God loves you and me. You know what? He still does!
My deepest hopes have changed in a year. More accurately I should say I have developed hopes this year. If I am ever faced with a situation similar to what the young people at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado were faced with, I hope that I am so saturated with the love of God that I wouldn't hesitate to shield you from harm, as we so vividly saw demonstrated by several during this terrible tragedy in Littleton.
My number one hope is to see you spend eternity with Jesus in heaven. If I could have the magic words to say to make this hope a reality, I would. But nothing I say can change your heart.
The only thing that can change your heart is Jesus. And He will not do it unless He is invited to. Please don't put it off. For none of us knows when we will be required to face our maker, God the Father, and give Him an account of our lives. I'm sure that people at Columbine High School, the people who lost their lives in tornadoes or traffic accidents, did not wake up with the knowledge that it would be their day to meet their maker.
When our hope is in Jesus Christ, death ain't no big deal!
Abba Father,
Thank You for sending Your Son to take our guilt and punishment. Thank You for each person who reads these words.
I took my turn with the hammer that drove the nails into the hands of Jesus. I have turned my back on You. Please forgive me, Father, I was wrong. I accept Jesus as Savior and Lord of my life.
In Jesus name,
Amen
If you prayed this prayer while reading it and feel like you need help getting started in your Christian walk, please do not hesitate to contact any of us here at Naznet.
Daily Scripture Readings
[Psalms 1, 2, 3] [Amos 2:6-16] [II Peter 1:1-11] [Matt. 21:1-11]
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