Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (ESV)
Our son Jeff often thanks us for "this stupendous life". Where he came up with that word, (it's not one that we use in our every day vocabulary) we don't know, but he sticks with it. What is most remarkable is not the word but the circumstances that this statement comes from. Being disabled, in a wheelchair in a situation where the world does not see much hope.
Our church is going through a "community Bible reading" of the New Testament. We are headed down the home stretch and my hope and prayer is that many of those who are following through it that these scriptures were written "for our instruction" that we might experience "through endurance" the same kind of hope, peace, encouragement and yes, joy, that our son Jeff embodies in the midst of his stupendous life. Everyone that comes to know him can't help but see the joy, the hope and the peace in his life and it rubs off on those who get to know him.
John Piper writes that "hope is not some vague emotion that comes out of nowhere, like a stomachache. Hope is the confidence that the stupendous future promised to us by the Word of the Spirit is going to really come true. Therefore, the way to be filled with the Spirit is to believe the promises of His Word....... meditate day and night upon the hope-giving promises of God. As the verse above shows us, that's the way Paul kept his heart full of hope and joy and love."
All of the Scriptures point to Jesus and to what He offers to us - this hope, joy and peace, here and now and for eternity. He is the cornerstone, the foundation of our faith and a "stupendous life".
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus' Name
(Chorus)
Christ alone
Cornerstone
Weak made strong
In the Savior's love
Through the storm
He is Lord
Lord of all
Blessings,
Mike
Romans 15:4-7 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (ESV)
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