Those who know me well know that I consider myself a realist, with a leaning towards optimism. As a result, I have hope for a better tomorrow. There are some Biblical reasons why this is true.
First, I have hope of a better future, because I believe in the Sovereignty of God. For His pleasure God has created the universe, and all that is. What God creates, He governs. The providence of God is reflected in every sunrise and sunset, in every breath that is taken, and yes, even in every war and rumor of war. God is in control of both good and evil. The heart of the Christian will always trust in the Lord.
Second, I have hope of a better future, because I walk by faith, and not by sight. From human perspective, the world in general, and America in particular is racing towards Armageddon. Society is no longer sloughing its way towards Gomorrah, as Judge Robert H. Bork wrote about in 2003, the nation has arrived due to modern Liberalism.
Elite Americans in academia and government cannot define a woman, but still want a seat on the Supreme Court and in Congress.
Those who govern the world of sports cannot tell the difference between girls and boys, nor men and women, but insist there is a level playing field.
At least 570 Harvard professors defend the plagiarism of the president of that former eminent university, Claudine Gay, and yet expel Harvard students for the same practice.
Democratic operatives cannot understand why an open border is poisoning the lifeblood of American society, because the illegals are not allowed in their neighborhood, and so they are immune from the consequences of their ill-advised policies.
Social Justice Warriors cannot accept the economic reality that too much debt causes high taxes and inflation.
Clueless Liberals judicial activist cannot perceive the connection between the failure to prosecute criminal and increasing crime statistics.
Young people who live an imaginary world of entitlement because of over indulgent parents cannot accept any opinion other than their own dogma. No one has ever told them, “NO!” let alone, “wait.”
In a misguided attempt to save Democracy, extreme measures are used to disenfranchise voters through legal theft.
Because there is no respect for tradition, and no regard for personal dignity, homosexual acts have been documented taking place on the roof of the White House, and in a historic Senate office where candidates have been questioned prior to being appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court.
Multitudes in the health care industry cannot remember they are to do no harm, and gleefully give themselves to medical madness as they kill unborn babies, or keep children alive to mutilate them for life under the guise of transgenesis.
It is self-evident that America has arrived at Gomorrah.
And yet, it is against this black backdrop of evil the light of the gospel can shine all the brighter, provided Christians do not lose faith.
One of the great lessons in the Bible is when God chooses to speak to give hope to the hopeless. The Lord often speaks where sin abounds.
While fleeing from his brother Esau, the scheming Jacob fell into a deep sleep. In his dream he saw a ladder reaching up to heaven. Angels were ascending and descending. The voice of God spoke saying,
“I am the Lord God of your grandfather Abraham. I am Isaac’s God, too. I am giving you and your descendants the ground on which you are sleeping. Your descendants are going to become like the dust of the earth and spread out to the west, east, north, and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. Now pay attention! I am here with you, and I am going to be watching over you wherever you go. I am going to bring you back to this land, because I will not ever leave you until I’ve accomplished what I’ve promised about you” (Gen 28:13-15, ISV).
In the eighth century BC, the 12th king of Judah was a wicked man. He had no faith in Yahweh, and he offered his own children as a sacrifice to a false god. Threatened by two powerful armies, one from Syria, the other from Northern Israel, Ahaz was given a great promise of grace. He was given a sign that God would protect His people.
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste” (Isaiah 7;14-16,, NIV).
The great prophesy of the Messiah, Emannuel, God with us, was given to one of the most godless rulers during days of terror and social corruption.
The centuries passed. The Hebrew people found themselves under Roman domination. They needed a Savior. The Messiah came to visit His people and to alert them of His arrival.
“The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Matt. 4:16, KJV).
As dark as the days are in America, in Europe, in Africa, and in the Middle East, the light of the gospel will shine more brightly, provided Christians walk by faith and not by sight. God will yet speak again. God still speaks to the man, woman, and child who listens.
Third, I have hope of a better tomorrow, because of the promise of Jesus that wheat and tares would grow together until the end of the age (Matt. 13:24-30). It is easy to see all the tares the Enemy has sown. Tares grow wildly and multiply. But the wheat, the people of God, the elect, must not be forgotten. “We are still here, world!” “Society, the Church shall yet triumph!” “The Gates of Hell shall not prevail!” This is the promise of Jesus. Therefore, Christians should be hopeful in 2024. It is the will of the Father, the faith of our spiritual fathers, and the promise of the Savior.
“There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor Thy Word.There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.”~Daniel W. Whittle
