Over the past few days we have focused on Hope for Today”

• Hope for Today: The World in which We Live
• Hope for Today: Understanding the Times and the Assignment
• Hope for Today: God’s Restoration of His People

Now, let’s wrap it up!  There is no doubt that the world is spinning out of control, and we must understand the times in which we live.  God has an assignment for each of us, so we must see where God is at work and join Him.  God is definitely working on behalf of His people, and I want to be about the Father’s business.  But, how do we do that?

Follow me in thought here!  Psalm 2 tells us that nations plot in vain against God’s anointed ones (that includes those of us who call Jesus our Lord).  Yet in verse 4, we’re told that God laughs at them!  Friends, we’re in the service of the King who laughs at those who plot against us!  Not only should we have hope, but we should have BOLD hope!

So often, we look to Washington to save us.  Not only can Washington not save us, at times they attempt to cripple us!  For example, Washington says we can’t pray in public places.  In some places, our governments tell us we can’t have “religious symbols” on public property.  Our King says, “If you can’t pray in public places, pray everywhere else!”  There are lots of places to pray!

Now, I’m certainly not saying we should disconnect from politics.  Indeed, I think the opposite!  Christians should be involved.  We should let our values be known to our Congressmen, and we should vote our values.  If God calls you to service in government, then go!  However, we can’t rely on our government to do, or to back us up in, what our Almighty God commands.  Our trust and our hope are in God, not government.

In Psalm 2:10-11, God gives instruction to earthly kings, warning them to show discernment, worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling.  We don’t see that happening much, do we?  Meanwhile, the King of Kings will reign forever, and we serve the pleasure of that King!  Don’t wait on earthly kings to do what they are told before you serve the pleasure of your King!

Despite all we see happening in our world today, Matthew 24 tells us it will get even worse.  Just as birth pangs increase in intensity and frequency, so will the “birth pangs” of the last days.  But we take refuge in the King!

We can also be sure that God will sustain us in the last days.  In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus said:

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

At times, we are sifted, yet Jesus prays for us, as He did for Peter, that our faith will not fail.  Satan has to ask permission to sift us, and God grants it only to show His power in our lives.  You see, Jesus is the bedrock of our faith.  Oh, what great hope that gives us!

So, we must learn a lesson from Israel.  Yesterday we discussed the notion that Israel’s dominate theme is security.  They are vigilant, they are courageous, they persevere.  We must do the same!  Israel knows her objectives.  Do you know yours, as a Christian?

Let’s circle back to Understanding the Times and the Assignment.  We learned that Jesus Himself did nothing apart from the Father.  In John 5:30, Jesus says, “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”  Jesus sought to please the Father, despite what the world pressured Him to do.  Are we ready to do the same?  Will we do whatever it takes?  Do we have the chutzpa to commit fully to the Lord?  The apostle John gives us the hope necessary to do that when he said, “…greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world!” (1 John 4:4)

I believe God has called each of us to an assignment in this season of history.  My assignment and your assignment are different, yet still vital.  Who will go?  Isaiah said, “Here I am!  Send me!”  (Isaiah 6:8)  God called Ezekiel to prophesy to a rebellious people, and he went.  (Ezekiel 2-3)  Fishermen immediately dropped their nets and got out of the boat to follow Jesus when He called.  (Matthew 4:18-22)  How will you respond to God’s call?

Dear Christians, the time is short and the Lord Jesus Christ is our Blessed Hope!  The world needs Hope today.  Will you be a “Hope spreader?”  I encourage you to seek the Lord about your place of service to the King in these last days.  If you are in the Phoenix area, why not join us in our study, Looking for the Blessed Hope, beginning September 10, 2015?  You will find information here.  I would love for you to journey with us as we discover God’s plan for end times, and encourage one another to be ready for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Many blessings!