Dark Despair & Bright Hope
“Bright Hope for Tomorrow” — Week 1 Review
“If I know is coming, [we reason] I can make it through today (Pg 2).”
Since this is the first review for this Spring Resource, let me start by saying that I am excited to experience this journey together through this helpful book on the return of Christ. The author made it clear in the introduction that his intention is not to get into the debates regarding “how” or “when” Christ will return. Instead, his aim is to look at this vital topic and see how it transforms our daily life. In my opinion, people are all too willing to debate the unknowns about the Second Coming of Jesus while missing the point that the New Testament authors are making. This is not some deeply theological discussion to argue about, it is a gospel truth to celebrate and look forward to with eager expectation. And to live every day in light of “that day” when our Lord returns to truly and finally set us free.
In chapter 1, the author talked about the text that was just preached this past Sunday, the death of Lazarus. And he points out that when Jesus came to comfort his friends, Mary and Martha, Martha comforted herself with this gospel hope, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Without repeating what the author said, I just want to summarize the point that Martha’s hope in a moment of great despair was in the promise of a future resurrection. On that day, all wrongs would be made right. And all hope would be realized. It is this hope that gets us through our struggles as well.
Looking forward, as you read through this book, I challenge you to take advantage of the questions at the end of each chapter. Typically, I find questions at the end of chapters too vague to be helpful, but the questions in this book are great. In these reviews, we will also answer a couple of the questions, just to give an example of how we were impacted by them.
Questions for Reflection
The first question asked about your level of excitement for the return of Christ. This is a great question, and I can honestly say I have never been more excited or ready for Jesus to come back. In fact, even Joe Rogan, a popular podcaster and non-Christian person recently said on his podcast, “we need Jesus to come back.” As he looks out on the world, even he can’t deny that the only hope we have is the return of the one who promises to make all things new.
When I think about Christ’s return, the images that come to mind nowadays is the revealing, not only of God’s glory, but the truth of our world. I don’t know about you, but I long for the truth to be uncovered. For justice to be served. I feel like we live in a world of lies. And I know that when Christ returns, all those lies and injustices will be brought to the light. Before I was a Christian, such a thing would have scared me to no end. But now that I am united to Christ by faith, living in a fallen world, I no longer fear his return, but eagerly await the day of judgment and vindication.
As you read through this book, our prayer is that the gospel truth regarding the return of Christ would comfort your soul, inspire your walk, bring joy to your heart, and passion to your witness.
