Dawn of Hope
Scripture Reading — Romans 13:11-14
The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
I was on the track team when I was a high school student. I enjoyed the 3,200 meter event, in which we ran eight laps around the track. Though I was not a fast runner, the last lap was often the fastest for many of us. That might seem strange, since we were all tired by the last lap, but we ran as fast as we could because we knew that we were almost finished with the race.
We do not know when Jesus will return. We do not know when we will begin our heavenly life with Jesus. But we do know that heavenly life with Jesus is how our story can end. Because of his death and resurrection, we know that the story of this world will end with the victory of good over evil.
Since that is the end of the story as we know it, the Bible encourages us to live with that confident hope in mind.
We are called to live as Jesus desires us to live. That is difficult sometimes, but we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in that way because we know that Jesus will return and that all creation will be restored.
This is our last lap, in a way. Though we may be tired, we can still run quickly because the glorious finish line is just ahead of us.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus. We trust that you will come soon, as you have promised. Help us to live in the light of your coming kingdom. Help us to follow you in hope. Amen.
About the author — Rebecca Jordan Heys
Rebecca Jordan Heys serves as a pastor at Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She and her husband, Kyle, are the parents of two children.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!