Looking for That Blessed Hope

Scripture: Titus 2:13 (KJV)

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Personal Reflection

The Christian possesses a hope that no storm can destroy.

Paul calls the return of Jesus Christ “that blessed hope.” Biblical hope is not uncertain wishing. It is confident expectation grounded in the promises of a God who cannot lie.

Notice what surrounds this hope. Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live “soberly, righteously, and godly” in this present world.

Then Paul says we are to be looking for Christ.

Grace therefore teaches us to look in two directions: away from sin and toward our returning Savior.

The person truly looking for Christ cannot comfortably embrace the world Christ will judge. Expectation of His appearing should loosen our attachment to possessions, recognition, comfort, and earthly ambition.

This does not mean withdrawing from our responsibilities. We work, serve, raise families, minister, and fulfill our callings faithfully. But we do all of these things knowing that this present world is not our final home.

Every earthly blessing is temporary.

Every earthly trial is temporary.

Every disappointment is temporary.

Christ is coming.

The Christian's greatest hope is not that circumstances will improve, governments will become righteous, finances will prosper, or suffering will disappear.

Our hope has a name.

Jesus Christ.

One day faith will become sight. The Savior we have worshiped without seeing will appear in glory.

Until then, grace teaches us to live holy lives with our eyes lifted toward heaven.

Contemplation

Is my deepest hope fixed upon improved circumstances, or upon the appearing of Jesus Christ?

Puritan Quote

Richard Baxter wrote:

“Set your heart on heaven, and the world will seem little.”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, keep my heart looking for You. Teach me to deny worldly lusts, live godly in this present world, and treasure Your appearing above every earthly hope. Amen.

Application

When anxiety arises today, deliberately remind yourself: “This is temporary. Christ is coming.”