We will not find rest in this life for life itself is full of labour and afflictions and gradual multiplistic infirmities. Mortification can stalk us, reproach can threaten us, and unfulfilled desires distress us. We tend to fidget over disgruntled expectations. Like Jacob, too often we find that we have married Leah not Rachel. Not in reality but in the process of living. I am not talking marriage but disappointments. His disillusionment was palpable, and in many areas we have similar discontents of unfulfilment which hovers over us like storm clouds intimidating us, and we are awash with worried restlessness. Will it ever change? Is there hope for the future, will the sun replace the clouds. Can there be a bright horizon? Yes there can be – “Now hope does not disappoint, [make ashamed] because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” [Rom. 5:5].
God has given us the certainty of sovereign immortality. This teaches us that in whatever state we find ourselves therewith to be content, for God has it in hand, HIS hand of course. God can assuage our sorrows, and brighten our gloom. His companionship can travel with us in the darkest hour; the terror-filled future, and the demanding requiting situation. God’s presence is our helmet of salvation, guarding our mind and, changing the metaphor, like an anchor holding us safe in the growing and threatening waters of adversity. He comes with us in the vale of tears and transforms himself on the challenging mountain. Therefore, “There remains . . . a rest for the people of God” [Heb. 4:9]. We, who are saved, have a hope – we are not ashamed [“disappointed”] of the present or the dawning future.
Our definition of the word ‘hope’ has clarity and security about it, not as the world, the Pharisee or the antinominalist explains it. The shaming described Biblically is because of the insufficiency of the hope portrayed. As a Christian we have the clearest warrant, the surest foundation and the purest objective and aim. “For in HIM we live, and move, and have our being; . . . “ [Acts 17:28]. The worldling often does not reach or attain their goal in life, and even if they do their graveside treasure has no merit for their future.
This earthly treasure may speak of disappointment for their desires and anticipations were not accomplished and there is nothing to protect and indemnify their future. God’s way of life was disdained, discarded and despised in time, now in death the eternity they wanted, is void. What does the scripture say: “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity” [Eccles. 1:2]. “And when we grasp the airy forms, we lose the pleasing dream.”[1] Too late, all is lost. The future is destitution. They manufactured their pleasure whilst on earth and were the envy of many, with their crowned votaries, but now in eternity they fully realise their loss and abject poverty. They had contact with God but not communion.
The Christians hope “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” [2 Cor. 5:1] And, like the prophet of old “For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” [Heb. 11:10]. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, Thus, “when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” [1 peter 5:4]. Not only that but his companionship will be a heavenly host – But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, [Heb.12:22], and also with God “in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” [Psalm 16:11]. What a wonder all this is. However, this is not the end, our hope soars further: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” [1 John 3:2]. We will model HIM. Time for a Hallelujah, I think! Oh YES.
In light of this we take up our cross and follow God in the pilgrim way, it can be no other way. Our crown beckons, and our prize suspends before us, awaiting collection. We have paid the price of divine fellowship here one earth, weathered the mocking of sinful man, rejected temptations of the flesh, and made our objective and aims an eternal truth. We have shrugged off the sluggishness of the flesh and marched in unison with the armies of God against the floodtide of evil. Our sacrifice has been valid, our faithfulness full of joy, our commitment tested to the core. His loved proved repeatedly. We have counted the cost and voted for eternal values above all other ways. We will not, like the Pharisee, walk in self-righteousness, but solely cling to the cross of Jesus. “How then can man be justified with God? Or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?” [Job 25:4]. Unable to save ourselves we wholly lean on Jesus Name. This our hope.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.[2]
Listening for the sound!
[1] Isaac Watts – Hymn writer – Heaven & Earth.
[2] “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” by Edward Mote, 1797-1874
