“You ‘prisoners of hope,’ I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles” (Zech.9:12). “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Rom.15:13)
Lord Jesus, Oh, how we’d love to be saturated with the declaration, vision, and promises contained in these two verses. It’s one thing for us to have hope, but quite another for hope to have us—to live as those who are “taken over” and abounding in hope. Grant it Lord, for your glory.
By your first coming, you set us free from captivity to sin, death, and condemnation (Lk.4:18-19, Gal.5:1, Rom. 8:1, Jn.8:36). The chains of paralyzing fear, anxious uncertainty, fruitless wandering, lifeless idols, and the devil’s lies have been broken. Hallelujah, and thank you.
The next time you appear on earth, it will be as King of the cosmos, returning to eradicate evil and finish making all things new—Lord of the nations, coming as Bridegroom for his beloved bride (Rev.19,11,16). Jesus, we will see you as you are and we will be made like you (1Jn.3:1-3). What profound and transforming hope you have secured for us, and sealed us in.
But even now—the very day and hour we are reading, pondering, and praying these words, Jesus, you are Abba’s installed King (Ps.2:6), the “ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev.1:4-5), “our righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1Cor.1:30), our ever-active intercessor, Advocate, and high priest (Heb.4:14-5:10). Jesus, make these true things real to us. May your goodness and beauty overtake us. So Very Amen.