Hope Beyond

David Francis

Susan Boyle was initially not perceived be a singer of any repute when she appeared for the first time on ‘Britain's Got Talent’ TV show. There was a palpable sense that this middle aged+, quirky looking, cheeky Sottish women was not going to be anything like what a good singer should be.

Ever hopeful, she sang to the very sceptical audience and judges the song “I Dreamed A Dream” from the musical ‘Les Misérables’ (French for ‘The Miserable Ones’).

Things changed! She went on to win and it launched her long held desire to be a professional singer.

Often times Christians will have similar hopes and dreams, strong and valid ideals of a better life, environment, family, health, no more tears!

Paul says in his letter to the people of Corinth:

'If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.’
1 Corinthians 15:19 (ESV)

What is Paul getting at?
Although they believed in Jesus’ resurrection, some of the Corinthians had begin to think that his followers would not also receive eternal life in the age to come. Paul explains that ‘if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised’ (v16) and therefore faith would be futile (v17).
A very miserable state indeed!

However, Paul says this is not the case, and that ‘…in Christ shall all be made alive’ (v22)
Although negative, hopeless thoughts can linger when we walk by sight and not by faith. We are encouraged to

‘…be transformed by the renewal of your mind’
Romans 12:2 (ESV)

His word will strengthen our minds because Jesus has paid our debt, washed us clean, and purified us by His work alone. Nothing we think or do can change how God feels about us or what He has in store.

In all things God works for the good of those who love him.
Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Even if unbelief lingers, it still does not change what God has done for us.

He continues to love us and be good, always. His arms are wide open in abundant, gracious welcome to us, no matter how bad or sinful or hopeless we have become. He has ‘the kettle on’ so to speak and wants a celebration meal for us His prodigal people!

Just like the Corinthians, we need to stand on the truth of the resurrection for all who are in Jesus: we all die, but all those who belong to Christ shall be made alive! (1 Corinthians 15: 22-23)

We have hope beyond earthly expectations.

We can set our mind on things above because we have been raised with Christ. and when He returns then we will too ‘…appear with him in glory!’ (Colossians 3: 1-4)