But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…
Are you always ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you? We have found our hope in Jesus. Hope for salvation and strength, protection and perseverance, for safe haven and stability. This hope anchors our souls for today and gives us bright expectation for tomorrow. How do we explain the reason for this overflowing hope?
In Matthew 21, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on the back of a young colt. An exultant crowd lined the streets shouting “Hosanna!” and threw down their coats and tree branches to line his path. Thousands of Jews from the then-known world had traveled to the city to celebrate Passover. The crowds were moved by this joyful parade. “Who is this?” they asked curiously. The multitudes answered correctly, but “just the facts” did not amount to the whole truth.
This is Jesus, a prophet. That was a fact, but it was not the whole truth. Hundreds of prophets roamed Jerusalem at that time. Some of them enjoyed fame; others ministered in anonymity. To call Jesus a prophet was to classify Him, to assign Him a place among a faceless mass of others.
He is from Galilee, a city in Nazareth. That was a fact, but it was not the whole truth. Nazareth was a hill country town in northern Israel. It was not Jerusalem, which was known as a religious center. It was not Athens, which was known as an intellectual center. It was not Rome, which was known as a political center. Creator of all…but they attempted to give Him a mailbox.
We live in a world that still wants to know Jesus. They do not know that He is more than a prophet. They don’t know the peace He brings to a tormented heart, the joy that He brings to those who are without strength. They don’t know the burdens He can lift, the yokes He can destroy, the chains He can break. When they ask, are you ready to give a reason for the Hope inside you?
Be careful not to make this great, big, beautiful Savior a small thing. Beware of putting Jesus in a box; it only gives opportunity for people to put a lid on it and push it aside. Be ready to make it all about Him, all about the Hope that fills our every waking moment and promises an even brighter tomorrow.
Blessing:
Heavenly Father, as I spend time in Your presence, may I know You more and more. As I learn, help me to become a worker that isn’t ashamed, one who is always ready to give a reason for the hope that fills me up to overflowing. In the name of Jesus…Amen.
Today's Bible Reading:
Old Testament
Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22
New Testament
Luke 8:4-21
Psalms & Proverbs
Psalm 69:15-36
Proverbs 12:2-3
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