By Steven Norris
“What is it that makes Jesus so compelling?” That question was asked in a room full of pastors and the convener was encouraging us to think beyond Sunday school or typical pastoral answers. He was asking us personally, “After all you’ve seen and been through…after standing at the graveside of parents burying a child or a family coping with the tragic death of a loved one…after all the ways that even church people can reflect the worst of humanity…what is it that draws you to Jesus?”
After reflection, one participant hesitantly offered, “Jesus is my hope.” We all nodded in agreement, but we were suspicious that this fell into the category of Sunday school answers. Hope is a tricky word. How often do we use that outside of churchy circles? When we do, it is often confused with wishful thinking or mere optimism.
Frederick Buechner writes, “For Christians, hope is ultimately hope in Christ. The hope that he really is what for centuries we have been claiming he is. The hope that despite the fact that sin and death still rule the world, he somehow conquered them. The hope that in him and through him all of us stand a chance of somehow conquering them too. The hope that at some unforeseeable time and in some unimaginable way he will return with healing in his wings.”
Hope is weightier than optimism, because it entails assurance that the final outcome is held by God in Christ. We may not fully understand the how, but we are confident about the who. According to scripture, such hope produces fruit in our lives.
Hope restores strength. “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Hope is the product of suffering — it does not come easy. Yet, hope can provide a path through suffering’s often debilitating paralysis. “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)
Hope holds us secure, even in the midst of changing circumstances and difficult times. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19)
Hope purifies our hearts and minds, focusing them on what is most important and what is lasting in a transient world. “All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3)
Hope is the core of our salvation — both in this world and in the one to come. It produces patience. “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:24-25)
In uncertain times, may we lash our heart to hope. May we proclaim hope, regardless of the circumstances. May we embody hope, reminding the world of just how compelling Jesus really is.