Titus 2:11-15 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach.
Titus 3:4-8 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Ever since childhood, one of my favorite hymns spoke of Christ’s return. It is found in older hymnals but sadly left out of the newer ones. I say “sadly” because this hymn in particular captures the fervent anticipation that each of us as Christians should hold dear. It is all too tempting in today’s worldly culture to adopt the thought of, “Well, I know he’s coming, but probably not anytime soon, so I really don’t have anything to worry about right now. Besides, it probably won’t happen in my lifetime anyway.”
While it is true that no one knows the moment God will say, “Now!”; and while it is true that God’s timing is his own; yet we are reminded often in scripture that Christ’s return will be sudden and unannounced. Until then, our job is two-fold: 1) Be ready. 2) Spread the Gospel so that others may be ready.
Looking for That Blessed Hope (Thoro Harris)
O shout aloud the tidings, Repeat the joyful strain; Let all the waiting nations This message hear again: The spotless Lamb of glory, Who once for man was slain, Soon o’er all the earth shall reign.
Signs in the heav’n above us, In sun and moon and sky, Proclaim to all the faithful Redemption draweth nigh; The hearts of men are quaking And failing them for fear: Jesus’ coming draweth near.
We’ll watch for his returning With lamps well trimm’d and bright; He cometh to the careless As thieves break thro’ the night; “Well done, thou good and faithful”—O may we hear the word, “Share the joy of Christ thy Lord.”
Looking for that blessed hope, (that joyful hope), Looking for that blessed hope; (that glorious hope); We know the hour is nearing, The hour of his appearing: We’re looking for that blessed hope.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the promise of Blessed Hope—the return of Jesus Christ our Lord. We look for this Blessed Hope with joyful anticipation. Renew in us the resolve to be ready and the sense of urgency to guide others in being ready as well.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
The devotional Looking for That Blessed Hope appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
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