Set Your Hope on Christ Jesus
“Life is short, death is sure, sin the curse, Christ the cure.” Anonymous
Mankind, made in the image of God, (Genesis 1:27) has always found life too short. The longer we live on earth, the more we realize how little time we have. To fear death and long for extended or perhaps even eternal life, is natural for each of us. What hope do we have in life?
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV
Joseph being a son of David likely shared in the hope of this prophecy from Isaiah and while considering divorce from Mary he was visited by an angel of the Lord in a dream.
“But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21 ESV
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 ESV
Many people go through their lives seeking for something that can only be found in Christ. The apostle Peter writes, “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13 ESV
We need to set our hope on Christ Jesus and what he accomplished on the cross for each of us. Being crucified for our sins, he accomplished the way to salvation through himself. Our belief in His life, death, and resurrection is what leads to the free gift of the Holy Spirit, sanctifying us to the ultimate goal, eternal life in Christ Jesus.
